Charlton’s U23s progressed to the last 16 of the Premier League Cup with a 3-1 victory over Norwich City at Princes Park on Monday evening.
The Addicks only needed a point to guarantee their progression out of Group C, but a Hady Ghandour strike, coupled with Johl Powell’s brace, ensured Anthony Hayes’ side would come from behind to earn all three against their Category One opposition.
Norwich took the lead on 26 minutes when Abu Kamara fired the visitors in front with a low shot, but the hosts recovered superbly, restoring parity 10 minutes later via Ghandour’s strike.
Charles Clayden’s run into the box saw the winger lay off for the striker, who coolly slotted home an excellent finish into the bottom right-hand corner from close range.
The Addicks got themselves in front in the fourth minute of first-half injury-time. A short corner led to Powell being fed inside the box and the midfielder turned nicely and struck an unstoppable effort into the top right-hand corner from 15 yards.
Powell was at it again early in the second-half, securing his brace 10 minutes after the restart with a fine solo effort.
Ghandour’s flicked header was met by Powell’s own head to take him past a defender some 25 yards from goal. Brushing aside the efforts of a recovering defender, he left the Canary on his backside with a shift to his left before calmly finishing past the keeper from six yards.
Charlton saw out the rest of the game comfortably and Norwich were reduced to 10 men in injury time when Lewis Shipley saw red for a second yellow card after throwing the ball at substitute Wassim Aouachria.
Charlton U23s: Harvey, Chin, Bakrin, Barker, Oguntayo (Agyemang 17), Adigun, Santos, Powell, Clayden (Campbell 69), Williams, Ghandour (Aouachria 75)
Subs (not used): Kone, Hand
Goals: Ghandour 36, Powell 45+4, 55
Report: cafc.co.uk
Photo: Tom West