Town's U18s surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Charlton Athletic at a windswept Playford Road on Saturday morning. Carel Tiofack (pictured) and Aaron Jones were on target for the young Blues.

Town started well and Josh Carson should have given Town the lead early on after a long ball from Joe Whight caught the Addicks defence out, but the Northern Ireland U21 international struck a weak effort at keeper Brandon Hall.

However, the young Blues didn't have to wait long to go in front with their first goal arriving in the fifth minute. Midfielder Aaron Jones slid in Republic of Ireland U17 international Carel Tiofack, who hit a left-foot shot across Hall and into the far corner of the net.

Wales U17 international striker Jack Simmons and Carson then both missed good opportunities before the Northern Irishman was the catalyst for Town's second on 38.

The young midfielder, who was on the first-team bench at Exeter early in the season, hit a fierce shot which Hall spilled and Jones followed up to net the rebound.

It took Charlton just two minutes to respond when a cross from the right was neatly turned in by frontman Adebayo Azeez.

Town had a chance to regain their two-goal advantage just before the interval when Tiofack somehow flicked the ball over the bar after he latched onto a header from Simmons.

The visitors started the second-half well and on 56, a good through ball allowed Azeez to beat Cody Cropper for the second time with a good strike from the edge of the box.

Northern Irish U19 international midfielder Cormac Burke then forced a good save from Hall after finding himself through on goal, then sub Jidé Maduako's effort was blocked on the line as Town pushed for the winner.

But the Blues had keeper Cropper to thank for securing their point late on when he blocked Tosan Popo's effort with his legs at the near post.

Another solid performance from Town's youngsters in difficult conditions in a swirling wind, with Josh Carson having a particularly impressive game in the centre of midfield.

U18s: Cropper, Bennett, Whight, Jones, Meekings, McKeown (Maduako 64), Burke, Scotcher (Lawrence 64), Simmons, Carson and Tiofack (Winter 68). Unused: October and Acott.

Report: James Ager

Photo: Action Images

Back_The_Boss added 21:20 - Feb 5 Thanks for the report James. Shame we let a lead slip, COYB.
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BrettenhamBlue added 00:41 - Feb 6 Thanks James. We need Lavery back fit.
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ozzydog added 07:58 - Feb 7 So if they played in the morning why was Connor Wickham turning out for them?! Joking aside this is a reminder of how young and good he is. Difficult following the yoofs from away but get the feeling we have a decent bunch here
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ozzydog added 08:00 - Feb 7 Boolicks that should have read NOT turning out one small word can change everything
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