U18s Lead Coach Jason Pearce is looking forward to his side taking on Wigan Athletic in the Professional Development League play-off final at The Valley on Friday (KO 7pm BST).
Pearce's side have enjoyed an impressive campaign, winning the Professional Development League - South title, securing a place in the national play-off final and reaching the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.
The young Addicks booked their place in the final with a convincing 4-1 win over Hull City last Saturday.
“I felt like we deserved to win the game overall, we had a lot more possession," Pearce explained. "At half-time I was disappointed in our ball speed, the speed of everything really. I thought we could have done things a lot quicker in and out of possession, we could have been more of a threat. It was disappointing to concede a poor goal in the first half, but the reaction in the second half was excellent. We scored a couple of really good goals and I'm really pleased that we could get to the final."
"Throughout the season, we know that we can score goals. We knew going a goal down that we would score goals, and that was one of the messages at half-time. As long as we got the next goal, and we didn’t have a mountain to climb, we knew we had a chance of getting back in the game and winning it."
The Latics finished top of the Professional Development League - North division and defeated Millwall 1-0 in the semi-finals.
"It's going to be a tough game," he said. "They have a really good squad and some really good individuals. Obviously I played there so I know what it's about playing for that football club. They will be a really direct team, so we have to be on top of our game and start the game fast, because they can take the game away from us if we don’t start fast. We need to get out of the blocks quick and play our football.
"The group have been involved in some big games in their careers already, so it's now about putting those learning experiences into play and trying to get over the line and win the game. Nothing changes, it will come down to exactly who is better on the day and hopefully we can come out on top.
"The opportunity for the players to play at home at The Valley is fantastic for them," Pearce added. "They go and watch the first team a lot to see how they play, so to have their friends and family there at home, it's a fantastic occasion for them."
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.
