Report: City U18s 1-2 Charlton Athletic U18s

Tommy Conway fired City into a half-time lead, side-footing from close range after some brilliant play from Marcus Day to set him up.

However, two second-half goals from the away side saw Charlton go in front in a game of few chances.

Brad Webb had an opportunity to level from the penalty spot with the last kick of the game, but saw his spot-kick saved.

City had the chance to make it seven unbeaten at home this season, as they welcomed Charlton to SGS College.

The game’s first opportunity fell to City within the opening six minutes. With his back to goal, Jamie Taylor improvised a backheel, which wrong-footed the goalkeeper, but went just wide of the post.

Will Gould would come close for City minutes later. Conway did well to get beyond the defender and clip a ball towards Gould at the back post, whose volley was mishit and could only find the side-netting.

For the away side, Agyemang threatened first. He picked the pocket of James Taylor and fired quickly at goal. It didn’t threaten Will Buse in the City goal, as it was deflected wide.

City would be in front before the half hour mark. Day skipped the challenge of a Charlton defender brilliantly and saw the run of Conway. The pass was perfect for the City striker, and he comfortably put the ball beyond Joe Osaghae for the opener.

The goal seemed to quieten the game slightly, with the only other meaningful chance coming five minutes before the break. Eddie Allsopp’s free kick looked to have been heading for the top corner, but a huge hand from Buse tipped it over the bar.

Day would have the second half’s first chance from a set piece, but his free kick was claimed at the second attempt by the Charlton goalkeeper.

Like the first-half, the game’s second half was slightly quiet. It took until almost the 70^th minute for a clear chance to present itself and that’s when Charlton got their equaliser. Kareem Isiaka rose high to head the ball past Buse.

Charlton would take the lead only minutes before the final whistle. City failed to clear their lines from a corner, and the ball dropped nicely to an opposition player who fired in from close range.

However, that wouldn’t be the final chance of the game. As City poured forward in search of an equaliser, Tommy Conway was brought down by goalkeeper Osaghae.

Webb stepped up in the last minute of the game, but saw his penalty saved by the Charlton goalkeeper, as the away side held on for all three points.

Attention for the Under-18s will now turn to next week’s fixture, as they travel away to Watford on Saturday (November 24^th).

City Under-18s: Buse, James Taylor, Webb, Hall, Low, Pearson, Gould, Owers, Conway, Jamie Taylor (South-Thomas), Day (Benarous). Unused subs: Berry, Allen.

Words: Ryan Payne