Charlton’s U18s kicked off their Premier League Cup campaign in style on Saturday, brushing aside QPR to record a comprehensive 4-0 triumph at Sparrows Lane.
The young Addicks controlled proceedings from the outset and, within six minutes, found themselves ahead courtesy of Daniel Kanu.
Nathan Asiimwe’s diagonal ball forward proved troublesome for a hesitant R’s backline as the defender failed to generate the requisite power to head back to the visiting goalkeeper, with an opportunistic Kanu there to pounce before rounding the stranded stopper to fire into the empty net.
A long ball forward again proved fruitful for Charlton on 18 minutes, this time provided by Ahmed Kone.
Tolu Ladapo nipped in ahead of the R’s defence to latch onto the goalkeeper’s aerial ball before demonstrating a tremendous burst of pace to take him through on goal and the forward had the finish to match, sidefooting past the onrushing ‘keeper to double his side’s advantage.
Hamza Serrar’s side kicked off the second period sprightly as they did the first and gained their just reward four minutes after the interval, when Kanu bagged his brace and Charlton’s third.
An effective press culminated with the Addicks recovering possession on halfway through Ryan Huke who, after an excellent passing move, threaded an inch-perfect ball through for Kanu to pierce the Rs defence. The latter took one touch to drive into the box before rifling in at the far post with a composed left-footed strike.
With minutes remaining, Ladapo notched his brace to complete an emphatic display in New Eltham.
Direct wing play from Henry Rylah down the right flank saw the substitute cruise past a visiting defender before unleashing a powerful, angled drive which the R’s stopper saved smartly, only to see it fall to the obliging Ladapo. Having chested the ball down, the forward took another deft touch onto his right foot before applying the finishing touch from close range.
Serrar’s young Addicks return to Professional Development League 2 action on Saturday morning (11am), when they take on Swansea City at Sparrows Lane.
Charlton U18s: Kone; Hobden (Okwumo 55), Asiimwe, Laquertabua, Bower; Kedwell, Anderson (Dench 75), Huke; Ladapo, Kanu, Reilly (Rylah 65)
Subs (not used): Batt
Goals: Kanu 6, 49, Ladapo 18, 90
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