Charlton’s U18s got their 2022/23 campaign off to a flying start last Saturday, claiming a 3-0 victory over Professional Development League holders Sheffield United at Sparrows Lane.
17-year-old forward Patrick Casey was the hero for Hamza Serrar’s young Addicks, bagging a hat-trick to condemn the young Blades to a first defeat in almost 18 months.
Casey fired Charlton ahead on 36 minutes, chesting down Kai Enslin’s inswinging cross and rifling home a thunderous effort on the half-volley.
Casey doubled the hosts’ advantage 16 minutes after the restart, combining well with Ryan Huke who rounded the Sheffield United stopper before squaring the ball to Casey to stroke home.
And Casey completed his hat-trick late in the second period, instinctively capitalising on a loose back pass from a Blades defender and calmly converting past the onrushing keeper.
U18 boss Serrar was thrilled with the young Addicks’ showing and reserved particular praise for hat-trick hero Casey. He said: “I’m really pleased with the result as well as the performance. Patrick was outstanding throughout pre-season and he has hit the ground running in the full-time programme as a scholar.
“He’s a different type of striker than what we are used to here. He’s really clever with his runs and can score goals with his right and left foot. He almost scored a perfect hat-trick – right foot, left foot and a tap in – and he’s always in the right place at the right time. There is still room for improvement with him, but he has got great potential.”
Charlton: Molyneux; Hobden, Mitchell, Asiimwe, Hunter (Okwumo 76); Kedwell, Gough (Myers 81), Huke; Enslin (Okechukwu 65), Casey, Rylah
Subs (not used): Abnett
Goals: Casey 35, 61, 77
Report: charltonafc.com
