Charlton’s U18s strengthened their bid for an end-of-season play-off spot by thrashing Huddersfield Town 5-1.
The result keeps Sergei Baltacha and Hamza Serrar’s side second in the table with just one match of the regular season remaining.
The U18’s grabbed the lead on 15 minutes when the Huddersfield’s goalkeeper tried to be an outfield player but was tackled with the ball rolling into the net.
Charlton’s superiority was confirmed when Sarpong-Wiredu scored a brace of goals in the 21st and 26th minutes of the match.
However, the U18’s conceded when a dangerous low cross came into the Addicks’ box and centre-back Sam Nwosu inadvertently poked the ball past goalkeeper Ed Harvey and into his own net.
The second half was a much even contest without the home side looking likely to score in fact skipper Dan Birch came closest to scoring when he had a header cleared off the line from a corner.
Charlton’s U18’s made it four on 87 minutes when Powell scored with a low drive from just inside the penalty area.
The scoring was not finished at this time. Gody was introduced from the bench immediately after the fourth goal and he scored the fifth with perhaps his first touch of the ball — An inspired substitution from the U18’s management team!
Charlton U18s: Harvey, Birch, Powell, Sarpong-Wiredu, Nwosu, Trialist, Vennings (Pollard 58), Godding, Willis (Isiaka 85), Sarmiento, Trialist (Gody 88).
Subs (not used): Osaghae, Keefe
Goals: Trialist 15, Sarpong-Wiredu 21, 26, Powell 87, Gody 90+1
Photo: Tom West