Jason Euell’s U23s remain unbeaten after their first two games thanks to a late equaliser to earn a draw at Birmingham City last Friday.
After a goalless first period at Leamington’s Phillips 66 Community Stadium, the match sprung into life with trialist Josh Davison putting the Addicks in front, only to be pegged back by a pair of Blues goals. But just as it looked like the hosts were heading for victory, an 88th-minute own goal ensured Charlton would be returning home with a point.
Davison’s 54th-minute opener came from a goal-kick. Davison himself flicked the big boot upfield on to Abraham Odoh who played it back to the striker and he took great pleasure in bursting towards the box and placing a shot below the home side’s stopper to put his side in front.
Birmingham rallied as the half wore on and drew level on 73 minutes thanks to an unstoppable Odin Bailey strike. On his weaker foot, the winger turned on the edge of the box and sent a powerful strike into the top right-hand corner, leaving Nathan Harness with little chance.
With their tails up, Blues scored again eight minutes later, taking advantage of the Addicks’ failure to keep hold of possession while trying to play out from the back, leading to a right-wing cross being headed home by Adan George.
The Addicks would not be beaten, however, and grabbed their equaliser with two minutes left on the clock. Superb build-up play saw Charlton string together 13 passes, culminating in Albie Morgan chipping a delightful ball over the top to send Alfie Doughty in behind, and the youngster’s driven ball into the danger area caused chaos for the Birmingham defence, forcing Mitch Roberts to slide in and put the ball into his own net.
Euell’s youngsters will be hoping to continue their unbeaten run of form when they host Bolton Wanderers at The Valley on Tuesday, August 27th (2pm).
Charlton U23s: Harness, Yao, Keefe, Stevenson, Doughty, Wiredu, Morgan, Mingi, Clayden (Ocran 61), Quitirna (Odoh 46), Davison.
Sub (not used): Osaghae, Vennings, Powell.
Goals: Davison 54, Roberts (og) 88
Report: cafc.co.uk
Photo: Birmingham City Football Club