AFC Bournemouth U18
V Charlton Athletic U18
07/05/2024
Played
12:00
Canford Park Arena
AFC Bournemouth U18
0
-
3
Charlton Athletic U18
Kick off
12:00

Charlton's U18s secured the Professional Development League Two - South title with a game to spare by beating Bournemouth 3-0 on Tuesday afternoon.

Jason Pearce’s side, who needed just a point to claim the title, took an eight-minute lead on the south coast through star striker Micah Mbick. Manu Wales found the 17-year-old, who turned superbly before converting his 42nd goal of the season.

Jacob Safa gave the young Addicks a two-goal advantage 10 minutes into the second period. Kai Enslin worked a corner into the path of the midfielder, who coolly sent a first-time effort beyond Mack Allan from just inside the 18-yard box.

Enslin added further gloss to the scoreline with five minutes remaining. He played a short corner to Ibrahim Fullah, who picked out Wales and he returned the ball to Enslin. The 18-year-old then opened up his body and curled into the bottom-left corner.

With the title won, the young Addicks now face a trip to Fleetwood Town on Saturday before embarking on the competition's play-offs.

The title becomes the academy's third trophy in recent weeks. The U21s won the London Senior Cup at the end of April and the U16s were crowned Premier League Professional Development League Cup champions last week.

Charlton: MacLorg; Brown, Hunter, Cann (Mwamba 83), Enslin; Safa, Gough (c); Yamoah (Ogunnowo 90+2), Wales (Berry 86), Fullah; Mbick

Sub (not used): Sadler

Goals: Mbick 8, Safa 55, Enslin 85 

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.