U23S REPORT | Queens Park Rangers 2 Charlton 2


George Jones reports

Mikhail Kennedy bagged a double as Charlton’s U23s earned a 2-2 draw against Queens Park Rangers on Monday afternoon.

The Northern Irishman, who netted a hat-trick against Ipswich Town last week, opened the scoring from the penalty spot inside the first minute. 

Rangers turned the match around with two, quick-fire goals but Kennedy ensured that the Addicks would take a share of the points by levelling the scores before half-time.

Charlton made the perfect start by taking the lead inside 60 seconds. Kennedy won possession from QPR’s kick-off and drove into the box before being barged to the floor. He picked himself up and fired the resulting spot-kick into the bottom corner.

Rangers levelled on five minutes when Reece Grego-Cox broke clear of the visitors’ backline and slotted home.

On 18 minutes, the hosts completed the turnaround. Michael Petrasso sent in a cross from the right and Grego-Cox met it at the far post to make it 2-1 to the R’s.

The Addicks, top of Professional Development League 2 South, came close to equalising when Kennedy nodded wide from close range and, at the other end, former Manchester United and West Ham man Ravel Morrison crashed an effort against the crossbar.

Charlton levelled the tie moments later when Kennedy rose to meet a free-kick, which made it five goals in just two games for the forward.

After the break, the Addicks came close through defender Dan Bowry and substitute Taylor Maloney, who fired straight at home goalkeeper Seny Dieng five minutes from time, but neither side were able to find a winner and the match ended all square.

Charlton: Mitov, Barnes, Bowry, Yao, Triallist, Dijksteel, Lapslie, Millar, Kennedy (c), Yamfam, Hackett-Fairchild.

Subs: Maynard-Brewer, Maloney, Doughty, Willis.

Goals: Kennedy 1, 41

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