Charlton Athletic steered back on course to make EFL Trophy progress

Charlton Athletic ensured they are in a strong position to qualify for the next round of the EFL Trophy after a 4-2 win over Aston Villa U21s on Tuesday night.

Addicks head coach Michael Appleton has gone close to winning the competition, twice finishing a runner-up at Wembley while Oxford United boss.

Appleton opted to name a strong side for the Group B fixture at The Valley and was rewarded with four first-half goals – Miles Leaburn scoring twice with Luton loanee Louie Watson and Charlie Kirk also on target.

But there were question marks over whether Villa keeper Filip Marschall could have done better with at least three of the goals.

Watson and Leaburn sent low shots sliding past him while Kirk’s strike at the back post, from a Scott Fraser pass, lacked power but still ended up in the back of the England youth stopper’s net.

Villa had more vitality in the second period and reduced the deficit through Kobei Moore and Todd Alcock, who looped a corner kick over Ashley Maynard-Brewer.

Villa captain Tommi O’Reilly also missed from the spot, his attempt clipping off the top of the crossbar.

Charlton were either unwilling or unable to step on the gas after the restart despite Appleton making a triple change of Alfie May, Chuks Aneke and Slobodan Tedic when they still held a four-goal advantage.

There was a senior debut for midfielder Harvey Kedwell, the son of former AFC Wimbledon and Gillingham striker Danny Kedwell, in the 74th minute.

Charlton’s final group match is at home against Sutton United on November 14.

The top two progress and the Addicks, who lost to table-topping Crawley Town in their opener, are second in the standings.

PICTURES: KYLE ANDREWS