Kwame Kufuor reports on Charlton U21’s win against QPR U21 to maintain their lead at the top of the table…
The Addicks extended their lead at the top of the Professional Development South League 2 as they beat Queens Park Rangers 2-0 at the VCD Athletic Stadium.
Jason Euell’s side now lead by eight points, though second- place Millwall have a game in hand.
Two first-half goals from Joe Aribo and Regan Charles-Cook were enough to secure the result against Paul Hall’s Queens Park Rangers.
The table-toppers opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Joe Aribo brilliantly managed to beat the tight back line of QPR, and buried his shot underneath goalkeeper Joe Lumley.
Charlton, were gifted a Golden opportunity to double their lead two minutes later when Armand Traore recklessly brought down Josh Umerah in the area, resulting in a penalty. However, Regal Charles-Cooks’ spot-kick was brilliantly tipped away by Lumley.
Five minutes before the break Charles-Cook had the chance to redeem himself for his missed penalty and he did not disappoint. The Charlton forward pounced onto the end of Umerah’s rebound and coolly slotted in the second goal.
Both teams made changes in the second half of the game. Armand Traore and Nathan Corkery paved the way for Leon Lubjoit and Tom Rosenthal.
Rosenthal made an instant impact on the game with his pace and long range shooting, as he forced the Charlton keeper to react instantly to tip one of his great efforts over the bar.
Charlton continued to push for another goal, as a great link up play by Charles-Cook and Umerah nearly paid off, only to see Umerah shoot off target.
QPR forced a couple of corners out of the Addicks, as they attempted to put them under pressure but it was too little, too late as the host’s held firm for all three points.
Euell will be happy from what he saw from his side as they prepare to face Millwall, who are second on the league table.