Charlton’s U18s produced an excellent display in an impressive 3-2 win over Liverpool in the third round of the FA Youth Cup on Saturday afternoon.
Despite a second-half comeback from Liverpool, Jason Pearce’s side held firm to progress into the hat for round four.
The young Addicks opened the scoring on 18 minutes, as captain Jack Belton unleashed an excellent strike from 25 yards that sailed past DJ Bernard and into the top corner.
Charlton continued to pile on the pressure and Shia-Lee Burnham called the Liverpool goalkeeper into action on 26 minutes. The confidence flowed, and Ellis McMillan doubled his side's lead before the break.
Reuben Reid also tried his luck from range, but saw his shot hit the post just before half-time, as the young Addicks led 2-0.
Early into the second half, Charlton added a third to their tally as Bradley Tagoe fired the ball into the net from the left-hand side.
The hosts pulled a goal back just three minutes later through Josh Sonni-Lambie.
Finn Inglethorpe nodded a second goal home with three minutes of normal time left on the clock and stoppage time to play, but the young Addicks saw the closing stages out to secure an incredible win.
Jason Pearce was delighted with the performance from his young side. He said: "Going to Liverpool was a massive game for the boys in the third round of the FA Youth Cup.
“In the first half we were excellent and really dominated the game. We had multiple chances and went 2-0 up, but it should have been four. We played some really good football with some really aggressive pressing from the group.
“It was a little bit nervy towards the end of the game, but it's a fantastic win. Any team going to Liverpool and getting a win is fantastic. We're delighted with the performance because the boys gave us everything. We had boys going down with cramp towards the end just absolutely out on their feet, and the subs who came on made an impact as well."
The young Addicks will travel to Watford or Plymouth Argyle in the fourth round, with ties having to be played by Saturday, January 24th.
Pearce’s in-form side are next in action on Saturday, January 10th when they take on Cardiff City at Sparrows Lane (KO 2pm GMT)
Charlton: Woodham; Elliott, Muvhuti (Ezenwata 90), Dawkins; Tagoe (Richman 66), Belton (c), Washington-Amoah, Valentine; McMillan (Podgorny 90+4), Burnham (Thomas 90), Reid (Davis 76)
Subs (not used): Williams, Mylona
Goals: Belton 19, McMillan 37, Tagoe 50
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