Stoke City U21s 2 Charlton U21s 2
Charlton’s U21s continued their unbeaten run in the Premier League Cup on Friday evening, as they drew 2-2 Stoke City’s U21s at The GRG Waste Stadium in Staffordshire.
The young Addicks went into the tie top of Group I, having won two and drawn one of their first three outings in the competition.
The first quarter of an hour was an even contest as both teams looked for the opener.
A well-worked move saw Charlton take the lead on 26 minutes, with Chris Lock’s side combining brilliantly in the build-up. Nehmani McNamee-Burke was on hand to finish off the move, to put the young Addicks a goal to the good mid-way through the first half.
Chances for both sides came and went as the first half progressed, but Charlton went into the break 1-0 up.
The away side doubled their advantage six minutes into the second half, as Reuben Reid got onto the scoresheet with a stellar effort to make it 2-0. The winger cut in from the left-hand side and unleashed a powerful shot that nestled into the top corner.
Chris Lock made a triple change on the hour mark, as Kai Kobashi Enslin, Phoenix Valentine and Josh Hebert all entered the fray for the final 30 minutes.
The hosts were back in the game on 67 minutes, halving the deficit after a defensive mix-up in the box allowed them to poke the ball home from close range.
The Potters drew themselves level after scoring two goals in quick succession. Charlton failed to clear a corner, and it was a Stoke City head that rose highest to make it 2-2.
Despite the young Addicks going 2-0 up, the points were shared in Staffordshire, as the game ended 2-2.
Charlton’s U21s are back in action on Tuesday evening as they face AFC Croydon Athletic in the London Senior Cup (7.45pm BST)
Charlton: Tas; Brown (c), Minto-St Aimie, Rayment-Dawkins, McNamee-Burke (Valentine 60); Tiitinen, Safa, Washington-Amoah, Tagoe (Hebert 60), McMillan (Kobashi Enslin 60), Reid
Subs (not used): Williams, Kobashi Enslin, Belton, Valentine, Hebert, Burnham, Elliott
Goals: McNamee-Burke 26 Reid 51
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