Charlton’s U18s came from a goal behind to secure their place in the FA Youth Cup fifth round, with a 3-1 win over Watford’s U18s at Vicarage Road.
The first chance of the game fell to Ellis McMillan on seven minutes. McMillan found space in front of goal but slipped at the crucial moment in the difficult conditions at Vicarage Road, sending his effort wide of the post.
Finley Woodham was called into action on the stroke of half-time, as a Hornets short-corner routine caused problems in the box for Charlton. It was all square at the break.
Watford made the breakthrough two minutes into the second half. The ball was worked to Kymani Smith-Daley who was 30 yards from goal, and his fierce strike flew into the top corner, leaving Woodham with no chance.
Ellis McMillan drew the young Addicks level on 70 minutes, through a penalty kick. Jonny Scriven was adjudged to have fouled Reuben Reid in the area, and McMillan calmly converted to level the scoring.
Substitute Raynon Richman sparked Charlton’s comeback, latching onto a well-worked short corner before driving at the Watford defence. His cool finish nestled into the bottom corner to make it 2–1 to the Addicks with minutes of normal time remaining.
Sam Washington-Amoah sealed the win for Jason Pearce’s side, as his curling shot sailed beyond Sebastian Thrussell and into the net.
The win sees Jason Pearce’s side progress through to the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup. His U18s side are next in action on Saturday, January 17th as they face Colchester United U18s in the PDL (KO 11am GMT).
Charlton: Woodham; Dawkins, Muvhuti, Elliott; Tagoe (Richman 67), Washington-Amoah, Belton (c), Valentine (Davis 84); R.Reid, McMillan; Burnham
Subs (not used): Williams, Thomas, Ezenwata, Mylona, Podgorny
Goals: McMillan 70, Richman 88, Washington-Amoah 90+7
Booked: Elliott 68
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