U18’s win National title
Fantastic win by Charlton’s U18’s last night to become Professional Development League National Champions for the third time.
The PDL is for Category Two Academies and has 20 clubs split in two regional divisions. The young Addicks won the South Division for the fifth time in six years and booked their place in the final with an impressive 4-1 semi-final victory over Hull City in SE7 last Saturday.
Last night they played Wigan Athletic off the park to win 3-0 and lift the trophy.
Jason Pearce has got these lads playing in a very eye-catching way. The passing and movement was wonderful, but Wigan were also no match for us physically.
Goals from our two leading goalscorers, Ellis McMillan and Raynon Richman, who scored twice were the match winners but there were players all over The Valley pitch that I’m excited to see progress.
Great interview with Jason Pearce here, who had twice lost in the final previously during his time as U18 coach. He and I am sure all of the parents should be very proud.
Other Addicks that have won this title are Ademola Lookman, Joe Gomez, Karlan Grant, Alfie Doughty and Albie Morgan.
📸: Keith Gillard
We played well and got stronger as the match progressed, the second half in particular was one way traffic. Again we’ve produced some more talent that I hope will make it into the first team.
I loved seeing Raynon Richman running off to celebrate his goals in front of the covered end – true it might have been empty but I can imagine he’d been planning to copy how our first team squad run over to that corner after they’ve scored. Hopefully one day he’ll be doing it for real in a league match.
Yeah, loved that he ran to that corner like most of the first teamers do.
I went last night and watched a team that was well organised played with no fear and played fast flowing football .The lads up front worked hard for 90+ mins and deserved there goals.There was a lad at the back who i think took man of the match but for me the lad who played no 4 in midfield was outstanding his energy and ball distribution was top draw.Im sorry i dont know there names as no team sheet was offered to me on entry to ground. Very enjoyable evening and congratulations to Jason and his coaching staff and all the lads parents. Coyr
Glad you got to go, Gary. No. 4 was Ed Thomas.
I totally agree Thomas was my pick, I think his awareness where his colleagues and opponents were was outstanding and he moved the ball quickly and accurately.
But we have a problem in that there were 3 wingers in the team which Jones does not seem to like with the 3 at the back system he employs. Tagoe and Richman played on the wings but Burnham who played ads CF is also a winger.
I was at the game and wow this U18 team is full of potential and quality…..all the players demonstrated skill,tactical awarness, drive and determination to win.
Jason and his team can be very very proud of the achievement and it shows the future of Charlton is looking fantastic.
Next target is Saturday when the women’s game against Leicester is played and hopefully we can win and get promotion into the WSL…..
I encourage you to get to the game a cheer on the women as its the most important game for Karen and the women.
COYRs !!!!!