Report | Swansea city U18s 3 Charlton Athletic U18s 5
Swansea City Under-18s fell to defeat despite a fine effort against reigning Professional Development League champions Charlton in an eight-goal thriller at Landore.
A first-half double from Geoff Bony had put the Swans on level terms at the break, Darren Davies' side showing good character to twice come from behind.
But the young Addicks proved too strong as their clinical finishing proved the difference in the second half. Kai Enslin scored a hat-trick, with Patrick Casey netting a brace.
Swansea's Rohan Davies pulled one back in the dying minutes of the game, but it wasn't enough to earn the share of the spoils.
The young Swans were keen to respond to their defeat at Cardiff last time out last time out and there were three changes to the matchday squad as Evan Watts, Richard Faakye and Jada Mawongo coming in for the hosts.
Davies’ young Swans started brightly and produced the first chance of the match. Seb Dabrowski winning the ball in the centre of the park before playing through Iwan Morgan, but his effort could only find the side netting.
It was the visitors who took the lead though against the run of play in the 14th minute. After recycling the ball in midfield Ollie Hobden found himself free on the right-hand side to cross low for Enslin to slot home.
Davies’ team responded instantly, Morgan and Kyrell Wilson combing on the left-hand side to provide the decisive cross for Bony to equalise. It was nothing less than what the young Swan deserved after a sustained period of pressure.
The visitors though struck again on the counter five minutes later, Casey’s half volley beating the helpless Watts in the Swans goal.
The Addicks thought they had extended the lead minutes later. However, Casey’s acrobatic effort was disallowed for offside after a neat short corner routine.
In an entertaining and open first half, it was the Swans who levelled five minutes before half-time. Bony slotting past Henry Molyneux in the Addicks goal after a defence splitting ball sent the young striker away to coolly finish with an acrobatic celebration to boot.
The Addicks retook the lead five minutes into the second period. Enslin fired home his second of the match emphatically, after being put through one on one against substitute keeper Kit Margetson, buryng his effort off the stanchion with power.
The Swans responded well. Bony this time turning provider, making space down the left-hand side, before finding Wilson. The midfielder though could not get over his effort with the shot rising over the bar. Morgan then tested visiting keeper Molyneux, but the young Swans top scorer not quite find the decisive touch.
The Swans were punished for not taking their chances minutes later with Casey tapping home after Margetson could only push a save into the on-rushing striker's path.
Enslin then completed his hat-trick, tapping in a minute later.
The Swans had their fair share of chances at the death, as Morgan and Davies' saw their efforts saved.
But, it was Davies who eventually converted late on.
Swansea City Under-18s: Evan Watts (C) (Kit Margetson 32), Zane Myers (Rohan Davies, 82), Richard Faakye, Arthur Parker (David Roberts 72), Jada Mawongo, Josh Carey, Dan Watts, Kyrell Wilson, Geoff Bony (Aimar Govea, 82), Iwan Morgan, Seb Dabrowski.
Subs not used: Cameron Llewelyn
Charlton Under-18s: Henry Molyneux; Ollie Hobden, Keenan Gough, Mason Hunter, Toby Bower (Harmony Okwumo), Harvey Kedwell, Ryan Huke, Brook Myers (Ralphi Hand, 58), Henry Rylah, Partick Casey, Kai Enslin.
Subs not used: Nathan Asimwe, James Batt, Jadan Yamoah