U18 CUP PREVIEW | Charlton v Aston Villa

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Charlton's U18s host Aston Villa in the Premier League Cup semi-finals on Saturday (11am KO GMT).

The young Addicks sealed their place in the final four with a 4-2 triumph at West Bromwich Albion last month thanks to goals from Ryan Huke, Toby Bower, Patrick Casey and Josh Laqeretabua.

Saturday's victors will take on either Sheffield United or Tottenham Hotspur in the showpiece final.

Looking ahead to this weekend's semi-final, U18 boss Jason Pearce said: "It’s a great opportunity for the players. The last few years have been quite successful as a group and as a club at younger ages.

“It’s obviously going to be a massive game and we're really looking forward to it. It’s my first huge game really as a coach. To be in the semi-final of the Premier League Cup is fantastic for the players.

"It’s going to be a really good occasion against tough opposition in Aston Villa and everyone will have to be on their game for us to get a performance and a result.

“As well as the togetherness within our group there’s real talent. We've got young Pat Casey up front for us who has scored 28 goals now and having a goalscorer like that in our team means we've always got an opportunity. We've also got players that are assisting to give him opportunities as well.

"I see a lot of these players going through and having opportunities in our first team and that shows the talent that we have here."

Valley Gold members are welcome to attend Saturday's tie at Sparrows Lane. Requests to do so should go through Sharron Sherress, who can be reached on sharron.sherress@valleygold.org.uk.

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.

For more information on how you can become a Valley Gold member, please click here

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