Charlton’s U23s shared a 1-1 draw with Swansea City at Princes Park on Monday afternoon.
Euan Williams’ 90th-minute strike earned the Addicks a point which was the least that they deserved on an afternoon where the home side dominated throughout.
The team news saw January arrivals Juan Castillo and Nile John get their first runs out in Charlton colours as they lined up from the start against the Swans.
It took 19 minutes for the first shot of the afternoon to be produced and it came courtesy of the hosts, with Hady Ghandour sending a well-hit strike whistling just wide from 20 yards.
Moments later, however, it was the visitors who took the lead against the run of play and in controversial fashion. A ball was sent over the top to forward Jaden Forrester in an offside position. But with the flag staying down, Charlie Barker was forced to defend the pass, resulting in him flicking the ball on for Forrester who was able to finish one-on-one.
On the stroke of half-time, Charlton had a good opportunity to draw level when Castillo was played into the box on the left, but with just the keeper to beat, Jamie Searle made a smart save with his legs to deny him.
The Addicks made a strong start to the second half, coming close on three occasions in the first two minutes of the restart. First, Williams saw a goalbound drive nodded away, before Lucas Ness’ powerful header produced an excellent save from Searle to tip it over the bar. Then, Barker’s drive from distance stung the palms of the Swans’ stopper as the home side continued to search for a leveller.
Charlton continued to dominate proceedings but that all-important goal continued to evade them as Ghandour rattled the crossbar after being teed up by a lung-busting run by Castillo and Williams tested Searle once again, getting down well to keep his shot out of the bottom corner.
With three minutes remaining, Harris O’Connor was next to test Searle, who got well behind a firm first-timer and it looked like Charlton’s efforts were going to go unrewarded.
But as the clock ticked over to the 90th minute, they finally found the goal they deserved.
Ness’ run forwards resulted in him teeing up Castillo on the left, who provided the low cross for Williams to calmly slot home and earn his side a point.
Charlton U23s: Harvey, Chin, Barker, O’Connor, Ness, Castillo, John (Hand 79), Santos, Williams, Viggars, Ghandour (Oguntayo 63).
Subs (not used): Molyneux, Agyemang.
Goal: Williams 90
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