U18 REPORT | Charlton 3 Crewe Alexandra 1

Jacob Safa

The club's U18s won for the second game in a row, scoring three second-half goals to beat Crewe Alexandra at Sparrows Lane.

The young Addicks have taken seven points from their opening three games and sit in second place, on goal difference, behind Bristol City in the U18s Professional Development League.

It was an unfortunate start for Charlton who conceded an early own goal when Mason Hunter tried to cut out a cross from the opposition’s right and saw his sliding clearance end up in his own net 14 minutes into the game.

From there the Addicks seized control of the game and created plenty of chances through a coordinated high press as the first half continued but were unable to find the net.

Following some sustained second half pressure, the Addicks levelled in the 68th minute. Keenan Gough won the ball back in the opposition half and set up Jacob Safa (pictured). The youngster faked a shot with his right foot, before pulling the ball back onto his left foot and finding the bottom corner of the goal from 18 yards out.

Five minutes later and Hunter atoned for his unfortunate own goal with another low finish to put the Addicks ahead.

Crewe came close to a leveller but the game was sealed deep into stoppage time when Matthew Senior put the ball into his own net.

Charlton: Sadler; Brown (Sol-Loza 61), Hunter, Danso, Okwumo; Mwamba, Gough, Safa; Enslin (Yamoah 61), Casey (Ashburn 78), Fullah

Subs (not used): Grosha, Cann

Goals: Safa 68, Hunter 73, Senior (own goal) 90+8

Booked: Okwumo 33, Safa 90

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.

Read Time: 2 mins