Kwame Kufuour sees an Inspired Josh Umerah scores twice to send Charlton under-21s top of the league and hand Crystal Palace their third consecutive defeat
Talisman striker Josh Umerah helped Charlton beat Crystal Palace 3-2 by bagging himself a brace and sending the Addicks to the top of the Professional Development League 2 South.
Jason Euell’s side put in an impressive display over Palace at the VCD Athletics ground on a cold Monday afternoon to secure an impressive eighth win in nine matches.
Euell gave new signing, Ricardo Vaz Te his first full appearance in Charlton colours, after Karl Fraeye brought Vaz Te on as a substitute for the first-team game against Birmingham last weekend.
The former West Ham player was prominent in the opening stages. Charlton Under-21s were quick of the mark and it only took 10 minutes for the first chance to come for Euell’s men.
Vaz Te showed his experience with a quick pass to Josh Umerah but the striker couldn’t get hold of the ball, resulting in a comfortable catch for David Gregory.
The Addicks came close in the 12th minute when Umerah was fouled just outside the box for a free kick, which Vaz Te took, rattling the cross bar.
Charlton finally got the breakthrough they deserved in the 13th minute of the game when Bergdish put through Umerah. The in-form striker coolly rounded the Palace keeper Gregory before scoring from a tight corner.
Eagles’ striker Corie Andrew’s hard work was rewarded in the 17th minute, when he was set clear behind the Addicks defence and from close range made it 1-1.
Before the half-hour mark both teams were close to taking the lead. Crystal Palace’s Biassakas’ quick feet got him past two Charlton defenders only to have his shot saved by Dmitar Mitov.
Quick
At the other end Vaz Te was denied a goal, after being flagged offside.
The Addicks were quick to regain the lead nine minutes into the second half. Umerah got himself on the score sheet once again as the ball fell to him after a Vaz Te header.
Charlton fans had turned out in good numbers to support their team but the visitors were not in any way daunted and responded two minutes later.
Bissaka’s quick feet proved too much for the Charlton defence and he was fouled. A well-worked free kick landed at the feet of winger Jason Lokilo who smashed it through the crowded Charlton defence to make it 2-2.
Crystal Palace could have buried the game when Michael Philips had a glorious chance against Mitov but fired wide.
A few minutes later substitute Brandon Hanlan, who replaced Vaz Te, picked up a loose ball outside the Palace box and blasted it past Gregory to put Charlton once again ahead in the game.
The visitors continued to push for an equalizer by throwing all their men forward but Euell’s side stood firm for all three points, which enabled them go top of the league once again.