U23S REPORT | Coventry City 1 Charlton 2

Mark Marshall and Billy Clarke both claimed assists as Charlton’s U23s recorded a 2-1 victory against Coventry City on Friday afternoon.

The duo both laid on first-half goals for Ben Dempsey, who made it three goals for himself in a week, as Jason Euell’s Addicks returned to winning ways in Professional Development League 2 South.

Following a tight start to the match, Charlton grabbed the lead on 18 minutes. Marshall put the ball into the box and Dempsey was there to fire it home.

The goalscorer, who also bagged against Ipswich Town on Monday - went close again a few minutes later but was denied by home stopper Tom Billson and, at the other end, Dexter Walters curled a shot off target for the Sky Blues.

On 37 minutes, Charlton double their lead. Clarke – continuing the final stages of his recovery from his ACL knee injury – floated a cross into the box and Dempsey glanced it home brilliantly with his head.

Taylor Maloney shot off target and Armando Quitirna tested Billson before the first-half was out, as the Addicks continued to dominate, but shortly after the restart Coventry pulled one back when Walters rounded Ashley Maynard-Brewer to score.

As the hosts pushed for an equaliser, Morgan Williams and George Hunt both went close with headers. They were unable to level the scores, though, and the Addicks held on to take all three points.

Charlton U23s: Maynard-Brewer, Yao, Mascoll, Bowry, Stevenson, Maloney (c), Dempsey, Junior, Marshall, Clarke, Anderson.

Subs: Harvey, Blumberg, Morgan, Carey, Ocran.

Goals: Dempsey 18, 37

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