Charlton’s U21s suffered a 2-1 defeat at Cardiff City on Tuesday afternoon.

Patrick Casey’s 79th-minute strike proved to be a consolation as both Cameron Antwi and Troy Perrett netted for the home side at the Cardiff International Sports Stadium.

The Bluebirds took the lead early on through Antwi, who latched onto a lofted ball over the Charlton defence and coolly converted at the near post.

Shortly after, Nathan Asiimwe came close to netting an equaliser as Casey slipped in a through ball for the full-back to run onto inside the Cardiff box. The 19-year-old showed fantastic footwork to send the defender one way before seeing his left-footed strike saved by Joe Thomas.

Moments after the restart, Thomas was called into action once again. Jai Semenyo’s headed clearance fell to Jeremy Santos on the edge of the box and the midfielder sent a thunderous effort goalwards on the volley, forcing an important stop out of the Bluebirds’ keeper.

There were chances at either end on the hour-mark, with the hosts coming close first. Joel Colwill’s dipping, long-range strike was palmed away by Adegoke before Charlton countered and Casey let fly, thoug his shot was gathered by Thomas.

Adegoke was soon on hand to deny Cardiff again as Antwi danced his way through the box and attempted to dink the stopper from close range, but saw his effort saved and then hooked off the goalline by captain Keenan Gough.

Substitute Perrett then struck the post for the hosts as he rifled an effort across goal.

Just minutes later, Perrett sent an effort into the bottom corner from the edge of the 18-yard box to double the Bluebirds’ lead.

Charlton responded to the setback well and were able to pull one goal back with 11 minutes remaining. Superb work from Micah Mbick saw the substitute wrestle off his defender and square for Casey, who showed excellent composure to take it past Semenyo and slot into the bottom corner.

Up next for the young Addicks is a Professional Development League 2 - South clash against Watford U21s on Monday afternoon at Princes Park (KO 1pm GMT). 

Charlton: Adegoke; Asiimwe, Toure, Gough (c), Dench; Hand (Safa 80), Williams (Mbick 60), Santos (Hunter 80); T.Ladapo, Casey, Huke (Enslin 75)

Sub (not used): Batt

Goal: Casey 79

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