Charlton’s U21s were condemned to a 3-1 defeat away to Watford at Vicarage Road on Monday afternoon. 

Despite defeat, Charlton have qualified for the Professional Development League play-offs, where they will face Nottingham Forest in the round of 16. Details are to be confirmed in due course.

The young Addicks fell behind inside the first two minutes as Amar Sanghrajka opened the scoring for Watford.

The Hornets doubled their lead on 14 minutes after they were awarded a penalty. Max Smith stepped up for the home side, and George Hardy did well to deny his initial effort. Smith was there to tap home the rebound and put Watford 2-0 up inside the first quarter of an hour.

Chris Lock’s side got themselves back into the contest just before half-time. Kaheim Dixon broke away from the Watford defence and was fouled inside the area. Ethan Brown stepped up and converted the spot kick to half the deficit.

Sanghrajka made the points safe on 78 minutes, restoring Watford’s two-goal lead with a well-taken finish.

Charlton: Hardy; Brown (c), Ewens-Findlay, Kuczynski (Amissah 46), Davis (Elliott 73); Mitchell, Fullah (Safa 63), Mwamba; Hebert (Richman 73), Dixon, Sol-Loza

Sub (not used): Woodham

Goal: Brown (pen) 41

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