Charlton’s U23s kicked off their Premier League Cup campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Reading at Princes Park on Wednesday afternoon.
The Group C opener saw the young Addicks ease past their category one opponents thanks to the goals of James Vennings, Euan Williams and Johl Powell.
Vennings’ opener on 32 minutes was an eye-catching strike, picking up a half-cleared cross before sending a defender the wrong way with a nice jink and firing an excellent finish into the back of the net from the edge of the box.
Ben Dempsey very nearly made it 2-0 shortly after, only to see his effort come crashing off the underside of the bar and down onto the line before the Royals hacked it clear.
The hosts did get their second 11 minutes into the second half and it came as a result of a quick counter-attack. Mason Burstow was sent into the left of the box and provided the perfect cross for Williams to head home from close range.
10 minutes later, and Charlton wrapped it up with a third. Another swift counter saw Burstow again cause problems on the left, seeing his shot beat the keeper, but blocked by a desperate defender. With the ball looping up and heading for goal, it was then cleared off the line, but only as far as Powell who was on hand to smash home the third.
It was the perfect start to the competition for Anthony Hayes’ men who will also take on Norwich City and Derby County in the group stage.
Charlton U23s: Beadle, Barker, Bakrin, Trialist, Roddy, Dempsey (Chin 70), Williams, Vennings (Henry 60), Burstow, Powell (Kanu 85), Clayden.
Subs (not used): Trialist, Reilly.
Goals: Vennings 32, Williams 56, Powell 66
Charlton fans can support the academy by signing up to the Valley Gold scheme. Valley Gold enables fans to support the clubs academy in unearthing the talents of tomorrow, as well as giving them the chance to win cash prizes.
Click here for more information on how you can become a Valley Gold member.
(Photos: Tom West)