After an impressive start to the season with a win at Sheffield United, the Addicks' U18s dropped points in a 2-1 loss at Burnley.
Patrick Casey, who scored a hat-trick against the Blades, netted his fourth goal of the season 10 minutes into the game with a calm and composed finish.
The Addicks forward could have made it 2-0 minutes later but was denied a second by Burnley goalkeeper Charlie Casper.
Burnley levelled on the 20 minute mark. Goalkeeper Henry Molyneux fouled Vernon Masara in the penalty area and while captain Joe Westley saw his penalty well saved by Molyneux, he was able to tap in the rebound.
It was just before the hour-mark that Westley scored his and Burnley’s second, converting a one-on-one chance past Molyneux.
While the Addicks created chances, they weren’t able to find an equaliser and left the Burnley Training Centre without any points.
Academy Director Steve Avory said: “I saw the performance against Sheffield United which is usually a benchmark for the quality of the team in the season. They are the old enemy so to speak, so to win that game 3-0 is so impressive. It was a great start to the season.
“I know that [coach] Hamza Serrar, up at Burnley last Saturday, was slightly disappointed that we didn’t follow that up with the same convincing display, although we felt that we were worth the point. Some mistakes cost us badly on the day.”
The U18s are back in action on Saturday when they take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League Cup.
Danny Senda, who will be the team’s Lead Coach following a coaching staff restructure this week, said: “It is a good challenge for the players. The Premier League Cup is a good tournament to be involved in and the players are going to be looking forward to it. We are going up there with a strong squad and will try to compete to get a win.”
Charlton: Molyneux, Hobden, Okwumo, Kedwell, Hunter, Asiimwe (c), Okechukwu, Enslin, Casey, Huke, Rylah
Subs: Bower, Sadler, Myers, Fullah, Mbick
Goal: Casey 10
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