Following on from the win that sent them back to the top of the table, the Charlton Under-18 side won at Watford on Tuesday morning.

The game was another friendly, the club has a big squad at this level and play a number of friendlies to get the players ample match time.

The Hornets were beaten 2-0 with two first half strikes from Emmanuel Afolabi proving to be decisive.

Next up for the youngsters is one of the northern games that have been incorporated into this season’s league calendar. The Addicks will travel to Sheffield for Saturday’s match against Sheffield United.

As happened before the Leeds game, the youngsters will stay in a hotel overnight, to replicate the preparation the first team have for such fixtures.

The academy is in good hands with the very able Paul Hart in charge. Hart’s record in developing youngsters is first class and Charlton’s current group are fortunate to be getting such an excellent grounding in what it takes to make a career in professional football.