Charlton’s U18s were taught a harsh lesson by Ipswich Town at Sparrows Lane on Saturday, as they ended up on the wrong side of a nine-goal thriller.
The young Addicks found themselves 4-0 down after just 30 minutes, as the Tractor Boys threatened to run away with the game in the first half. A fourth-minute opener was followed by a calamitous own goal in the 21st minute, before two goals in two minutes stretched the visitors’ lead further.
Less than a minute after the fourth flew in, Charlton did snatch a goal back after a superb turn and shot from Kareem Isiaka and the arrears were reduced to two goals before the break thanks to another fine effort when James Vennings tucked a free-kick into the bottom left-hand corner.
Into the second half and the Addicks scored again to make it 4-3, making an unlikely comeback all the more possible. 67 minutes were on the clock when substitute Euan Williams bagged a brilliant solo effort, dancing his way past three blue shirts before slotting past the goalkeeper.
However, any hopes of completing a comeback were quickly dashed when the visitors scored a fifth just four minutes later and then an almost-immediate sixth a further three minutes later to round up the scoring.
After consecutive losses, the U18s will be looking to get back to winning ways with a trip to Colchester United this weekend.
Charlton U18s: Osaghae, Barton, Keefe, Barker, Aidoo, Henry (Albon 78), Vennings, Agyemang, Allsopp (Williams 46), Isiaka, Gody (Godding 63).
Subs (not used): Frith, French.
Goals: Isiaka 31, Vennings 38, Williams 67