Charlton’s U18s are on the verge of the Professional Development League 2 – South title after securing yet another win, this time over Cardiff City at Sparrows Lane on Saturday.
Ryan Huke got the ball rolling on 17 minutes when he opened the scoring for the hosts. Toby Bower claimed another assist to add to his sizeable tally this term, feeding Huke with a pass into the box, allowing him to take a touch and finish with aplomb from eight yards.
Miles Leaburn was unable to find the net with a pair of headers either side of the break, while Sahid Kamara rounded off a powerful run into the box by hitting the upright from a right angle.
With 14 minutes left on the clock, Leaburn was presented with another aerial opportunity from a Matt Dench cross and this time he made no mistake, stooping to head home the Addicks’ second to put them in firm control.
Cardiff did bring a consolation goal back to Wales with them with a strike deep into injury-time, but Charlton marched on to their 14th league win of the season.
Their lead at the top of the table stands at 18 points, with a game in hand over second-placed Ipswich Town with one more win guaranteeing top spot in what has been a hugely-impressive season for the club’s youngsters.
Charlton U18s: Molyneux, Hobden (Laqeretabua 57), Asiimwe, Hand, Bower, Kedwell, Huke (Ladapo 63), Kamara, Dench, Reilly (Okechukwu 75), Leaburn
Subs (not used): Kone, Hunter
Goals: Huke 17, Leaburn 76
(Photos: Tom West)
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.
Click here for more information on how you can become a Valley Gold member.