Charlton Athletic U21s delivered a dominant second-half performance to cruise past Colchester United with an emphatic 8-1 victory at Sparrows Lane on Friday.
Kaheim Dixon continued his impressive form by netting a late goal in the 89th minute, capping off a scintillating display from the young Addicks. Dixon received a well-placed pass before slotting home with his left foot into the far corner, adding the final touch to an already commanding victory.
The young Addicks showcased their attacking prowess with six different goalscorers, including braces from Patrick Casey and Kai Enslin.
Despite the overwhelming scoreline, it was Colchester who struck first. Kyreece Lisbie, son of former Charlton forward Kevin Lisbie, sent a cross-shot into the far corner, benefiting from the windy conditions.
Charlton quickly regained their composure and equalized through a moment of brilliance. A slick exchange of passes saw Alan Mwamba execute a clever flick into the path of Josh Laqeretabua, who unleashed a thunderous finish to bring the Addicks level in the 35th minute.
Patrick Casey put Charlton ahead just before the interval, curling a stunning effort from the edge of the box into the top corner in the 43rd minute.
The floodgates opened after halftime, with Charlton piling on the goals. Kai Enslin added a third in the 48th minute, volleying home after Ollie Hobden’s initial shot was blocked. Casey then grabbed his second in the 55th minute, firing in a powerful long-range effort.
Charlton’s relentless attack continued as Harvey Kedwell’s whipped-in corner flew past the goalkeeper for a direct goal in the 58th minute. Enslin matched Casey’s feat with his second of the match in the 72nd minute, seizing on a defensive error to slot home.
Toby Bower added the seventh goal in the 77th minute after Dixon delivered a pinpoint pass across the box, allowing the Trialist to dummy before Bower found the far corner.
The U21s return to action in the London Senior Cup on Tuesday night, where they will face Dulwich Hamlet in the quarter-finals at Champion Hill.