Charlton’s U18s reached the semi-finals of the Premier League Cup with a 4-2 victory at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
Ryan Huke, Toby Bower, Patrick Casey and Josh Laqeretabua were all on the scoresheet in the West Midlands as the young Addicks secured their place in the final four.
Charlton started sprightly and took a eighth-minute lead through Huke, who intercepted the ball on the halfway line and drove into the 18-yard box before curling home with aplomb.
Layton Love equalised for the hosts just eight minutes later, firing a left-footed half-volley past Ahmed Kone following a defensive mix-up.
The Addicks were awarded a penalty on 38 minutes when a Baggies man handled Huke’s dangerous free-kick delivery. Bower stepped up and made no mistake, confidently rifling his spot-kick into the top-right corner.
West Brom struck back once more on the stroke of the interval as Adriel Walker converted Akeel Higgins’ centre at the far post.
The prolific Casey restored Charlton’s advantage soon after the hour-mark, dispatching Daniel Kanu’s pinpoint cross past the helpless Beau Hudd.
Kanu was involved once again eight minutes later when the Addicks added a deserved fourth. The striker teed up Laqeretabua, whose first-time effort beat Hudd in the West Brom goal.
Up next for Jason Pearce’s side is a Professional Development League 2 fixture at Watford on Saturday, February 11th (10.30am KO).
Charlton: Kone; Asiimwe, Mitchell, Gough, Bower; Kedwell, Laqeretabua (Hobden 87); Rylah (Enslin 85), Casey, Huke (Okwumo 79); Kanu
Subs (not used): Molyneux, Danso
Goals: Huke 8, Bower (pen) 38, Casey 62, Laqeretabua 70
Booked: Rylah 45+2, Asiimwe 48
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.
