An inexperienced Charlton U23 side fell to a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Barnsley at Princes Park on Monday afternoon.
With a number of Jason Euell’s usual development squad members set to be involved in the Addicks’ Papa John’s Trophy clash with Leyton Orient on Tuesday evening, a host of U18 players were drafted in to take on a Tykes side littered with EFL experience, which ultimately shone through in Dartford.
The visitors started on the front foot and took the lead after six minutes through George Miller, who had time in the box to wait for a cross to drop, before firing an unstoppable half-volley into the back of the net from eight yards.
Charlton came close to a leveller with 14 minutes on the clock when some sloppy goalkeeping from Corey Addai allowed Richard Afrane-Kesey with the chance to fire towards an empty net from a tight angle, but the keeper just about recovered to keep the goal-bound effort out.
Just before the half-hour mark, the Tykes doubled their lead. A neat one-two inside the box ended with Jordan Green finishing firmly into the bottom left-hand corner, putting the visitors in control.
By half-time, Barnsley were in full control with a three-goal cushion. Seven minutes before the break, the Addicks failed to deal with a deep corner and Daniel Bramall was on hand to bundle the ball in.
It got worse for Charlton soon after the restart when Green was felled in the box for an early penalty which was chipped in by regular Tykes first-teamer Luke Thomas.
And with 20 minutes left, Barnsley added a fifth and final nail in the hosts' coffin with Miller turning in a rebound from close range after Joe Osaghae had made an initial save.
It proved to be a tough afternoon for the Addicks' youngsters, but a valuable experience all the same for the younger members of the club's academy.
Charlton U23s: Osaghae, Barton, Ness, Taylor, Oguntayo, Appiah, Quitirna, Campbell, Clayden (Beadle 66), Afrane-Kesey (Leaburn 66), Adigun (Burstow 79).
Subs (not used): Harness, Elerewe.
Booked: Beadle 85 (foul on Simpson)
(Photos: Ben Peters)