Charlton’s U18s went top of the Professional Development League 2 – South table with victory over Millwall at Sparrows Lane on Saturday.
First-half strikes from Tyreece Campbell and Jason Adigun were enough to see off their south-London rivals and put distance between themselves and the Lions who sit in third place.
The young Addicks went ahead just after the half-hour mark thanks to a brilliant goal from Campbell. The tricky winger picked up the ball on the left side of the box, cut inside and smashed an unstoppable, angled shot into the top right-hand corner.
Adigun doubled the lead before half time, pouncing on a hesitant Lions defender to take back possession on the edge of the box and finishing one-on-one to ensure the hosts went into the break with a healthy cushion.
Charlton had chances for a third in the second half with Dylan Gavin coming closest – his close-range header was tipped onto the bar by an impressive save from the Millwall stopper.
The visitors did pull a goal back with 19 minutes left on the clock, but there was little threat to the Addicks thereafter as the hosts claimed all the points and bragging rights on a windy morning in New Eltham.
Victory saw Charlton leapfrog Ipswich Town to the top of the table who had lead by two points, while Millwall remain in third, nine points behind the Addicks.
Anthony Hayes’ youngsters are back in action on Tuesday afternoon as they host Swansea City at Sparrows Lane.
Charlton U18s: Harvey, Asiimwe, Garande, Elerewe, Bakrin, Anderson, Chin, Adigun (Mitchell 80), Santos, Gavin (Leaburn 84), Campbell (Ladapo 90+5)
Subs (not used): Kone, Reilly
Goals: Campbell 31, Adigun 41
Report: cafc.co.uk
