Charlton’s U21s were pegged back twice in a 2-2 draw with Birmingham City at The Valley on Monday afternoon.

The young Addicks made an electric start to proceedings and Henry Rylah very nearly gave his side the lead after just two minutes, though his header clipped the crossbar.

Moments later, Rylah turned provider to set up the opener, teeing up Patrick Casey who converted from close range to give the young Addicks an early advantage.

Rylah continued to be a thorn in the visitors’ defence as the half progressed and he went close again on 19 minutes, this time hitting the foot of the post with a low drive.

Midway through the opening period, Blues stopper Bradley Mayo denied Micah Mbick to kick start a counter-attack which culminated with Rico Patterson squaring for Sahid Kamara to draw the visitors level.

Mayo was soon called into action one more following a lightning Charlton move. Jeremy Santos freed Rylah down the right and he picked out Casey, who was foiled by a superb save.

The young Addicks restored their lead minutes before the break through Micah Mbick, who coolly stroked home following excellent work from Ibrahim Fullah.

Chris Lock’s side had chances to extend their advantage after the restart and, 14 minutes from time, Birmingham drew themselves back level. Substitute Harley Hamilton was the goalscorer, wriggling his way through and slotting past Prince Adegoke.

The young Addicks are next in action on Friday, September 9th, taking on Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

Charlton: Adegoke; Hobden, Gough, Bakrin (c); Rylah, Adigun, Santos, Fullah, Ladapo; Casey, Mbick

Subs (not used): Sadler, Okwumo, Hunter, Safa, Myers

Goals: Casey 4, Mbick 41

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