Charlton's U18s suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of northern league leaders Barnsley on Friday afternoon.

Ryan Huke opened the scoring after 38 minutes at the Tykes’ training ground, rifling into the bottom-right corner from a low Henry Rylah cross.

The hosts responded immediately though and were level moments later when Theo Chapman fired beyond Henry Molyneux.

Barnsley raced into the lead just minutes after the restart, as Josiah Dyer reacted quickest to a loose ball to poke home from a matter of yards and Emmaisa Nzondo soon gave the Tykes a two-goal advantage with another close-range finish.

The young Addicks halved the deficit 14 minutes from time through Ollie Hobden, who raced onto Patrick Casey’s through ball and finished past the hosts’ stopper.

Jason Pearce's side pushed for parity in the closing stages, but were ultimately left frustrated as Barnsley held onto their lead to claim a fourth league win on the spin.

The U18s are next in action on Saturday, April 29th when Coventry City visit Sparrows Lane (1pm KO).

Charlton: Molyneux; Asiimwe, Hobden, Danso, Bower; Kedwell, Anderson (c), Huke; Rylah, Casey, Enslin (Laqeretabua 60)

Subs (not used): Batt, Hunter, Okwumo, Myers

Goals: Huke 38, Hobden 76

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.