Charlton’s U21s had to settle for a 2-2 draw at Colchester United following the hosts’ late leveller.
Bradley Ihionvien fired the U’s ahead in Essex on 14 minutes, when the centre-forward raced onto Billy Cracknell’s through ball and finished beyond the advancing Nathan Harvey.
Matt Dench equalised for the young Addicks on the stroke of half-time, rifling a left-footed effort past Harrison Chamberlain following an excellent move down the left flank.
Charlton assumed control of the clash thereafter and enjoyed a number of chances during sustained spells of pressure in the second period.
The prolific Daniel Kanu gave Danny Senda’s side a deserved lead on 84 minutes with an instinctive finish following a Charlton corner.
The young Addicks’ advantage proved to be short-lived though, as Ihionven netted his and Colchester’s second four minutes from time to ensure the spoils were shared.
Senda’s side are next in action on Monday, February 20th against Watford (1pm KO GMT).
Charlton: Harvey; O’Connor, Elerewe, Mitchell (c); Chin, Kedwell, Adigun, Huke, Dench; Casey, Kanu
Subs: Kone, Asiimwe, Oguntayo, Santos, Rylah
Goals: Dench 43, Kanu 84
Report: charltonafc.com