Report | Swansea City U18s 3 Charlton Athletic U18s 1

Swansea City Under-18s fought back to claim a 3-1 victory over Professional Development League leaders Charlton Athletic at the Joma High Performance Centre.

A second-half brace from Harvey Gray, followed by an added-time strike from Alex Godfrey, secured all three points for the Swans and extended their unbeaten home run to five league matches, while there was also a notable debut as under-14s' player Damian Dabrowski was introduced during the closing stages.

Despite a bright start, the hosts fell behind after 20 minutes as Shia-Lee Burnham netted for the Addicks, but Swansea responded positively and ended the half on top.

A much-improved second-half display followed, with the Swans rewarded for their quality in front of goal while also showing defensive resolve in the closing stages before Godfrey sealed the win in added time.

The Swans had started the game positively, with Wahab Ojetoro trying his luck from distance, but his effort sailed well over the bar.

Charlton looked dangerous on the counter, and after an initial break was cleared by the Swans defence, the rebound fell to Sam Washington-Amoah, whose low strike flashed wide of the left-hand post.

Elis Thomas went close minutes later after a clearance was superbly controlled by Godfrey, who took an excellent touch to advance down the right before playing the winger through. Thomas curled an effort towards goal from 18 yards out, but Finley Woodham was equal to it and parried the ball away.

But Charlton took the lead midway through the half, with Bradley Tagoe squaring the ball to Burnham, who slotted home into the corner of the net.

Jon Beale’s side responded well to going behind, and Kaven Bloniarczyk was denied by a crucial block from Chetam Ezenwata after the full-back looked set to level.

Bloniarczyk went close again five minutes before half-time, meeting a cross from the left by Thomas with a sweet half-volley that crashed against the bar.

Swansea started the second half strongly and nearly levelled within minutes when a delivery to the far post from Godfrey found Thomas, but his low strike was straight at Woodham, who gathered comfortably.

The visitors then grew into the half and almost capitalised on a Swans mistake when a loose pass at the back was intercepted by Raynon Richman. He struck from just outside the area, but his effort continued to rise and cleared the bar.

Instead Swansea found a deserved equaliser with 20 minutes to play. Bloniarczyk drove down the right-hand side before picking out Gray, who got in front of his defender and tapped past Woodham.

The same duo combined again minutes later to give the Swans the lead. Bloniarczyk once more delivered from the right, and Gray showed composure to finish calmly and put Swansea ahead for the first time in the match.

The Swans had to withstand late pressure, with Phoenix Valentine nearly netting an equaliser after a scramble in the box saw the ball fall to him, but his powerful effort across goal was well dealt with. 

However, Valentine continued to threaten down the right, driving into the area before fizzing a ball across goal to Burnham, who skied his effort from five yards out.

Substitute Michael Mylona also looked lively, weaving past several Swans defenders before aiming for the far corner, but Jakub Nowak got down superbly to deny him.

And Swansea sealed the victory in added time when a long ball forward was chased down by Godfrey, who found himself in a two-on-one situation alongside Gray. The winger opted to go alone, advancing before firing powerfully past Woodham to secure all three points for the Swans.

Swansea City Under-18s: Jakub Nowak, Kaven Bloniarczyk, Wahab Ojetoro (Brogan Popham 24), Milo Robinson (captain) (Josiah Kallicharan 61), Jack May, Archie Quick, Alex Godfrey, Solomon Baker (Damian Dabrowski 80), Harvey Gray, Bobo Evans, Elis Thomas (Ioan Johnston 60).

Substitutes not used: Tom Wright