Charlton’s U23s extended their Professional Development League 2 South unbeaten run to five games on Tuesday afternoon with a 2-1 triumph over Bristol City at the Robins High Performance Centre.
Enjoying his first start for Anthony Hayes’ U23s, Daniel Kanu bagged his 30th goal of the season to break the deadlock on 32 minutes. Wassim Aouachria emerged from the bench to double the young Addicks’ advantage nine minutes from time and although Seb Palmer-Houlden reduced the Robins’ arrears on 86 minutes, Charlton remained resolute to claim maximum points in Bristol.
The Addicks enjoyed the first sight of goal after 14 minutes, Euan Williams striking the foot of the post with a low drive from 20 yards.
And Williams tried his luck again moments later, this time drawing a smart stop from City stopper Will Bule.
The hosts’ first real foray forward came on 25 minutes, Jamie Knight-Lebel drilling an effort narrowly wide of Nathan Harvey’s right upright.
The Addicks opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark with an instinctive finish from Kanu.
Charlie Barker rattled Bule’s crossbar with a sensational, swerving effort from 30 yards and the prolific forward was on hand to bury the rebound from close range.
Only Bule’s heroics prevented the Addicks from doubling their tally three minutes before the interval, the City stopper rushing out to foil Ryan Viggars’ angled effort after skipper Aaron Henry had spearheaded a lightning Charlton counter-attack.
At the other end, Henry averted a potential leveller for the hosts with a superb last-ditch lunge to foil Palmer-Houlden.
An exquisite outside of the boot through ball from substitute Jason Adigun found Kanu racing in behind the Robins’ defence, though the striker could only strike the side-netting under pressure from the advancing Buse.
Buse was out swiftly again moments later to smother Kanu’s left-footed strike before gathering Jeremy Santos’ follow-up effort.
No matter, the visitors doubled their tally on 81 minutes, Aouachria ghosting in at the back post to poke home Euan Williams’ low centre.
The Robins halved the deficit with four minutes remaining as Palmer-Houlden turned home the rebound from Ollie Thomas’ drive, though the Addicks held firm to earn a third league win in five.
Charlton U23s: Harvey; Barker (Oguntayo 72), Elerewe, Ness; Santos, Agyemang (Adigun 46), Henry (c), Williams, Chin; Kanu, Viggars (Aouachria 61)
Subs (not used): Kone, O'Connor
Goals: Kanu 32, Aouachria 81
Charlton fans can support the academy by signing up to the Valley Gold scheme. Valley Gold enables fans to support the club’s academy in unearthing the talents of tomorrow, as well as giving them the chance to win cash prizes.
For more information on how you can become a Valley Gold member, please click here.