Jason Euell’s Under-23 side earned a meritorious 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday at The Valley on Monday afternoon.
The Development League is split into North and South sections, but every team plays four additional games – two at home and two away – against teams in the other section. These results are factored into the league tables.
At the end of the season there is a play-off competition to decide the champions at each level. The top team in the Northern section will play the runner-up in the Southern section and vice-versa, with the two winners contesting the final.
The Addicks currently top the Southern section, and Wednesday lead the Northern section, so it was a significant win for Euell’s side.
Alfie Doughty’s cross shot, and a strike from Karlan Ahearne-Grant gave Charlton a 2-0 lead, before Wednesday notched a late consolation.
Probably the most important factor for Addicks fans was the appearance of Jason Pearce. It was the defender’s second comeback game, and he completed the full 90 minutes.
Pearce has been sorely missed since tearing his abductor muscle ar Bradford in December.
Charlton lost just 4 of the 17 games in which Pearce appeared, conceding 16 goals. In the 22 matches since he was sidelined, they have lost 8, conceding 30 goals.
The Hillingdon born defender is a natural leader and organiser, and skippered Wigan to the League One title last season.
Patrick Bauer has looked a shadow of the player he was alongside Pearce, and it will be interesting to see the difference it makes to the big German’s form when Pearce returns.
The Under-23s travel to Oakwell to face Barnsley on Friday, then play Welling in the Kent Senior Cup semi-final next Tuesday.
Pearce is likely to play in one of these games – most likely the Welling fixture – and warranted he suffers to reaction, he should make his long awaited first-team comeback at Peterborough on 1 April.
With the Addicks still needing a win or two to be sure of preserving their League One status, the return of the defensive warrior will be a huge bonus for Robinson.
TAGS: Charlton Athletic