Charlton’s U18s saw their unbeaten run ended on Saturday, as they fell to a 4–1 defeat at home to Watford.

The young Addicks made a bright start and took the lead in the 44th minute through Nehmani Burke. Raynon Richman fed the ball out to Burke on the left, and the winger produced an excellent finish from a tight angle to put Charlton ahead.

Jason Pearce's side went into the break in front, but five minutes into the second half Watford drew level through Kymani Smith-Daley, who produced a tidy finish into the top corner.

The visitors added their second 15 minutes later after a long throw caused confusion in the Charlton defence, with Oluwatobi Akinimika tapping the ball home from close range.

Jamael John-Baptiste netted a third for the visitors just before the end of the 90 minutes, before Akinimika got his second of the game to seal the victory for the young Hornets.

Pearce’s side return to action on Saturday as they travel to west London to take on Brentford (KO 11.30am GMT).

Charlton: Williams; Burke (Ezenwata 46), Dawkins, Elliott, Valentine; Belton (c), Thomas; Mylona (Jeche 63), Podgorny (Randall 71), Tagoe; Burnham 

Subs (not used): Woodham, Muvhuti 

Booked: Valentine 42

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