Charlton’s U21s fell to a late defeat away in south Wales on Monday afternoon, losing 3-2 to Swansea City’s U21s at the Joma High Performance Centre.
Shia-Lee Burnham opened the scoring for the young Addicks mid-way through the first half. Kai Kobashi Enslin was involved in the build-up, as he found Ellis McMillan in some space in midfield. McMillan played the ball straight down the middle of the park to Burnham, who beat his man and calmly finished to open the scoring for Chris Lock’s side.
The home side had a host of chances in the first half but could not find a way past the Charlton defence.
The visitors went into half-time a goal to the good.
The Swans were on top in the opening stages of the second half, as they hit the woodwork twice in quick succession. Lyndon Tas pulled off a fine save on 57 minutes to prevent Thomas Woodward from equalising.
On 59 minutes, Evan Watts pulled off an excellent save from close range to deny Josh Hebert from doubling the young Addicks’ lead. The game was on an even keel.
Moments later, the home side had their leveller. Woodward’s pressure on the Charlton defence paid off, and he pulled Swansea level on 67 mins.
The hosts quickly took the lead, with Woodward scoring again four minutes later.
Chris Lock’s side responded almost instantly, winning a penalty after Ethan Brown was pulled down inside the box. Ellis McMillan stepped up to take it and converted from 12 yards.
The young Addicks looked to be coming away from south Wales with a point on the board, but fell short at the final hurdle after Swans skipper Yori Griffth netted on the stroke of the 90 to claim all three points.
Charlton’s U21s are back in action next Tuesday, as they take on Stockport County’s U21s in the Premier League Cup (7pm GMT)
Charlton: Tas; McNamee-Burke (Davis 75), Rayment-Dawkins (c), Elliott, Valentine (Brown 77); Washington-Amoah (Belton 75), Tiitinen, McMillan; Kobashi Enslin (Tagoe 75), Burnham, Hebert (Mylona 75)
Subs (not used): Hardy, Thomas
Goals: Burnham 24, McMillan 77
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