A young Town team fell to a 2-1 defeat at Charlton in a game of three penalties. The home side went in 2-0 up after Deon Burton twice netted from the spot, while David Norris rebounded Connor Wickham's saved effort after the break.

The Blues again lined up with a single central striker, Connor Wickham, with Reggie Lambe making his first appearance for the senior side on the right and Jaime Peters on the left. In midfield, Colin Healy sat behind Veliche Shumulikoski and Ed Upson.

Wickham forced a save from the Charlton keeper in the 18th minute, three minutes before the home side went in front.

Miguel Llera played a ball into the box for Lloyd Sam, who was fouled by Town left-back Shane O'Connor. Deon Burton, scorer of the hat-trick which condemned Norwich City to League One football on the final day of last season, despatched the penalty.

On 27 Burton was literally handed another opportunity when Veliche Shumulikoski was harshly adjudged to have handled inside the area. The Macedonian's protests were in vain and Supple was beaten by Burton for the second time.

David Wright was replaced by recent signing Troy Brown on 33 after picking up a knock, then, just before the break, Nicky Bailey's deflected effort flew over.

The first half had been poor fare with both sides giving the ball away on a regular basis and the Blues' youngsters showing their inexperience.

Town made another change at the break, David Norris taking over Shumulikoski in midfield.

Three minutes into the second period, the Blues were awarded their penalty after Wickham was felled by Llera. The 16-year-old frontman took the kick himself but keeper Rob Elliot blocked his shot, however Norris was there to follow up.

Jaime Peters shot wide, then Lambe came close prior to Town making a quadruple change. Jon Stead, Gareth McAuley, Owen Garvan and Jon Walters replaced Wickham, Bruce, Upson and Lambe.

The much stronger Town side was by now on top and Garvan shot narrowly over. Walters forced Elliot to make a save as the game moved into its final 10 minutes.

Elliot made a further save from McAuley but the Blues were unable to turn their second half superiority into more goals.

The result was more a reflection on the first half performance of what was a very young side than the more impressive display by the senior players after the break. On the balance of the second half, the defeat was harsh on Town.

Town: Supple, D Wright (Brown 33), O'Connor, Bruce (McAuley 60), Smith, Healy, Upson (Garvan 60), Shumulikoski (Norris 46), Lambe (Walters 60), Peters, Wickham (Stead 60).

Photo: Action Images

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