Harvey Clare reports on Charlton Athletic U18s’ 3-0 win over Ipswich Town – with plenty of talent spotters keeping a close eye on the home side.
A goal from Terrique Anderson and a brace by Alex Miller helped Charlton defeat Ipswich Town 3-0 at Sparrows Lane to remain top of the U18 Professional Development League 2.
Scouts from nine different clubs were in attendance. The Premier League clubs represented were Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Leicester and Chelsea. Addicks captain George Lapslie, who produced another flawless display, was amongst those being watched.
The Addicks went into the game searching for their first win in three 2-1 defeats in succession. Ipswich have been in even poorer form, having lost six of their last seven.
Lapslie, produced the stand-out moment in the match. He showed great skill as he produced a Bergkamp-esque turn, playing in Chris Miller who laid it off to striker Terrique Anderson though his shot was dragged wide of the post.
The only chance the visitors had in the first half was when their full back ran the entire wing and crossed a fantastic ball into the six-yard box, only for a header from striker Tony Andrew to go over the bar.
Windy
Steve Avory’s men took the lead in the 32nd minute. Jordan Zeura ran down the left wing and whipped in a low cross to Anderson whose first time shot beat the keeper, Nick Hayes.
Just two minutes later Charlton doubled their lead as Miller’s shot from outside the box hit both posts before going in, with the windy conditions looking to have played a major factor in the goal.
It was a great first half from Charlton as their pressing style of play caused Ipswich problems and denied them from genuine threats on the Addicks’ goal, but Ipswich came out looking like a different side in the second half.
The Blues created a great chance from a corner, which caused problems for Charlton keeper, Jordan Beeney as he dropped the ball in, but Ipswich did not capitalize on the mistake.
Charlton sealed the game in the 80th minute when a mistake in the visitors’ half fell to Miller who cooly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner.
Avory’s men face 2nd place Watford next away from home on the 20th of February with both teams challenging for the Professional Development League 2 title.