Report | Swansea City U23s 0 Charlton Athletic U23s 3

Swansea City Under-23s were beaten by Charlton Athletic in the Professional Development League at Landore.

The young Swans were made to pay for not taking their opportunities against an Addicks side boasting plenty of experience at senior level.

Jon Grey named an unchanged side from the victory over Nottingham Forest last time out, but saw the hosts fall behind inside five minutes.

A good move down the left led to the ball being blasted across the face of goal, with the unfortunate Matthew Blake turning into his own net.

The visitors doubled their lead just before the hour mark when Johl Powell poked the ball past Jamie Searle after the Swans failed to clear their lines.

And the result was sealed in the 70th minute as Brendan Wiredu turned home a free-kick from close range but, despite the defeat, Grey saw plenty of reasons for his players to be optimistic.

“There were lots of positives to take from the game. I’m pleased with how we played; we had the majority of the possession and looked threatening with the ball,” the under-23s coach said.

“We probably could have been three or four goals up before half-time, but we’ve not taken chances.

“At the moment, we just can’t keep clean sheets; that’s something we’re going to have to work on.

“We’re giving young players huge exposure that will only benefit them moving forward. They’re coming up against more experienced players at such a young age.

“The results aren’t going the way the boys want them to at the moment, but that’s not the most important thing. It’s about the wanting to win and learning to win.”

Swansea City Under-23s: Jamie Searle, Jacob Jones, Declan John, Erick Kenko (Adrian Akande, 58), Kai Ludvigsen, Scott Butler, Bradley Gibbings, Ryan Bevan, Josh Thomas (Cameron Congreve, 58), Morgan Clarke, Matthew Blake (capt).

Subs not used: Tyler Evans, Cian Williams, Rio Campbell.