Charlton’s U23s got back to winning ways with victory at Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday afternoon thanks to Miles Leaburn’s hat-trick.
The young Addicks had plenty of representation from the all-conquering U18s in the side at Wealdstone’s Grosvenor Vale with five starting the game, while Jake Forster-Caskey completed a milestone first 90 minutes as he nears a return to full fitness following his ACL injury.
Leaburn, one of those U18 stars, proved to be the hero on his first U23s start, following on from his brace against Watford for the U18s at the weekend with another three goals to secure the points against QPR.
The towering striker netted twice in four first-half minutes – first latching on to Aaron Henry’s excellent long-ball forward to finish past the keeper, before repeating the trick moments later. Jeremy Santos claimed the assist for the second, putting through Leaburn to slot home in similar fashion.
The hosts were reduced to 10 men with 15 minutes remaining, making their uphill task of a comeback all the more unlikely – Trent Mahorn shown a straight red card for denying Dylan Gavin a goalscoring opportunity.
And as the clock ticked over into added time, Leaburn was given the opportunity to complete his treble from the spot. After being fouled in the box, he dusted himself off to put away his penalty and complete a memorable afternoon for the second-generation Addick.
Charlton U23s: Kone, O’Connor, Mitchell, Bakrin, Bower, Henry (Ness 80), Anderson (Viggars 67), Forster-Caskey, Santos, Gavin (Agyemang 75), Leaburn.
Subs (not used): Harvey.
Goals: Leaburn 29, 33, 90+1 (pen)
Report: cafc.co.uk