Charlton’s U21s bowed out of the Professional Development League play-offs on Monday evening, after a hard-fought 3-2 loss away at Nottingham Forest.
The Addicks got off to a bright start in the East Midlands, as Ibrahim Fullah opened the scoring inside eight minutes. The ball was played to Fullah who was out wide on the left-hand side of the penalty area. He cut inside and unleashed a low driven shot, that nestled into the bottom corner.
Charlton’s lead lasted all of three minutes, as Jimmy Sinclair quickly pulled Nottingham Forest level.
The game was end-to end in the first half, with both sides enjoying chances and spells of possession. At half-time, it was one goal apiece.
Chris Lock made his first change just after the hour mark, as Raynon Richman entered the fray in place of Bradley Tagoe.
Blaine McClure put Forest ahead in the 68th minute, with an excellent strike from the edge of the box that sailed beyond George Hardy in goal.
In similar fashion to the first half, another goal came just three minutes later, this time to draw the Addicks level. Zach Mitchell headed Josh Hebert’s corner home to bring Charlton back on terms with just under 20 minutes of normal time to play.
Seven minutes of injury time was added on at the end of the 90. Charlton were forced into a late change when Josh Hebert sustained an injury and couldn’t continue. He was replaced by Reuben Amissah.
Donnell McNeilly gave the home side a late lead, minutes after coming on as a substitute. The goal sealed a 3-2 victory for Forest, despite a battling display from Charlton.
Charlton: Hardy; Brown, Mitchell, Laqeretabua, Valentine; Gough (c), Mwamba, Fullah; Herbert (Amissah 90+2), Dixon, Tagoe (Richman 61)
Subs (not used): Williams, Safa, Washington-Amoah
Goals: Fullah 8, Mitchell 68
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