Charlton’s U21s were comfortably beaten by Barnsley U21s in an open game at The Valley on Wednesday afternoon.

While the visitors started well Charlton twice could have taken the lead. First Ralfi Hand capitalised on a short back pass to go through on goal but was well denied by Tykes stopper Rogan Ravenhill and then Ryan Huke found Jeremy Santos with a clever reverse pass, but his curling effort bounced back off the crossbar and to safety.

Barnsley took the lead just before the interval with Aiden Marsh capitalising on some defensive scrappiness to finish from close range.

Charlton goalkeeper Prince Adegoke made an excellent save to deny Marsh a second at the start of the second half.

Barnsley’s second, when it did come, was calmly finished by their skipper Charlie Heckingbottom and Marsh did get his second, passing home from close range just after the hour mark.

Barnsley's fourth came in the final minute of the game when a corner deflected in off an unfortunate Huke.

The Addicks are next in action away to Burnley on Sunday.

Charlton: Adegoke; Okwumo, Toure, Bakrin, Asiimwe (Enslin 61); Gough (c), Kedwell (Fullah 61), Huke; Ladapo, Hand (Safa 80), Santos 

Subs (not used): Sadler, Cann

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.