Charlton’s U23s claimed victory over Millwall in an action-packed derby at Sparrows Lane on Friday afternoon, with Mason Burstow and Euan Williams netting in a game which saw three red cards.
The Addicks made a bright start to proceedings, taking the lead on 12 minutes.
Aaron Henry’s smart, lofted ball into the box was latched onto by Burstow, who calmly lobbed over the keeper to open the scoring.
With 19 minutes gone, Millwall were handed a huge advantage when Nazir Bakrin was shown a straight red card. Dispossessed on the edge of the box, the defender tried desperately to recover, only to commit a foul and deny a goalscoring opportunity.
Despite that setback, Charlton reacted in perfect fashion, doubling their advantage just after the half-hour mark.
Burstow was involved again, this time providing the assist as he punished some sloppy defending, pouncing on a loose back-pass before squaring for the waiting Williams who tapped home from close range.
The Addicks continued to probe after the break with 10 men and came close to a third when Burstow drew a good save from the Lions’ keeper from close range following good work down the right from Richard Chin.
With 15 minutes remaining, the sides were levelled up when Millwall’s Arthur Penney was shown a straight red card for a two-footed lunge on Burstow, seemingly easing the pressure on the hosts as they looked to hold out for three points.
There would be more drama to come, however, as goalscorer Burstow was shown the third red card of the afternoon, picking up two quick-fire bookings in the space of three minutes - first for kicking the ball away, before blocking the goalkeeper’s kick out.
Millwall pulled a consolation goal back in injury time through Tyrese Briscoe who slid home at the back post, but it would have no effect on the outcome as Charlton’s nine men claimed maximum points and bragging rights from their near neighbours.
Charlton: Harvey, Chin, Bakrin, Elerewe, Trialist, Clayden, Dempsey, Henry, Powell, Burstow, Williams (Viggars 64)
Subs (not used): Beadle, Appiah, Gavin, Santos
Sent off: Bakrin 19 (professional foul), Burstow 84 (second-bookable offence)
Goals: Burstow 12, Williams 31
(Photos: Tom West)