Charlton Athletic Under-18s 2-1 West Ham United Under-18s
Tony Carr's youngsters went down to a narrow defeat at Charlton Athletic on Saturday morning, registering through an own goal.
The visitors found themselves 1-0 down after 26 minutes when the hosts' Tamer Tuna struck home from 12-yards. Two minutes later, Charlton extended their lead as Ben Godfrey nabbed his side's second of the day. It was a more resilient West Ham United that took to the field in the second half and continuing pressure saw the scoreline close, as they forced Charlton back and an own goal by Callum Christie saw them get on the scoresheet.
Although it was not enough to see the youngsters bring anything away from the match, Carr was pleased at the better performance after the break. He said: "We played very poorly in the first half but performed very well in the second, unfortunately it was just not enough to claw the two goals back."
It was the second straight defeat for the Under-18s after the 4-2 loss at home to Ipswich Town the previous weekend and they will hope to bounce back away to Fulham on Saturday.
Meanwhile, some of Carr's charges have continued to gain experience out on loan - notably two teenagers getting a taste of League One football. Josh Payne got another 90 minutes for Cheltenham Town in their 3-0 loss at Hereford Town making it seven league and cup appearances for the 17-year-old midfielder. Bondz 'Gala, the 19-year-old defender, was an unused substitute for MK Dons as they won 3-1 away to Hartlepool United.
The club's FA Youth Cup third-round tie with Nottingham Forest will take place on Tuesday 2 December at the City Ground, kicking off at 7pm.
West Ham United: Street, Brookes, Brown, McNaughton (Modelski 60), Fry, Kearns, Edgar, Lee, Abdulla, Hall, Montano (Bajner 80),
Subs: Loveday, Okus, Grasser