U23S | Good luck to
@jasoneuell's youngsters who take on
@Boro in the
@premierleague Cup this evening (7pm). #cafc
U23S starting XI | Mitov; Ba, Yao, Bowry, Edwards; Charles-Cook, Dijksteel, Lapslie; Ahearne-Grant, Kennedy, Hackett-Fairchild. #cafc
Subs | Prall, Assiana, Millar, Yamfam. #cafc
U23S | Just over an hour gone & still 0-0 against
@Boro at Bootham Crescent. We're told the Addicks hit the woodwork before half time. #cafc
U23S | Full-time at Bootham Crescent and Bryn Morris' late strike has earned
@Boro the points in the Premier League Cup. #cafc
Comments
Determination was coursing through the veins of the Boro players if the opening exchanges were any guide as two players found themselves in the book in the opening 12 minutes.
Plenty of energy was on show from both sides, Charlton managed by ex-Boro player Jason Euell, but neither side found it easy to create a clear chance.
That is until the 23rd minute when Karlan Ahearne-Grant was sent clear through the middle and was denied by very smart goalkeeping Aynsley Pears.
That lead to three corners in quick succession for the visitors, followed a few minutes later by two more.
A young Boro side, including a smattering of U18s for the first time, coped well enough and had appeals for a penalty turned down when Callum Cooke fell under challenge.
An excellent delivery from Ben Liddle sent Joao Morelli away just right of centre, but a low shot from the Brazilian was well saved by Dimitar Mitov.
Pears was back in action again a minute later as Charlton broke quickly, tipping over a powerful shot from Regan Charles-Cook.
He was seen to good effect again a few minutes later, diving away to his left to push away a low drive from Reeco Hackett-Fairchild.
The final act of the first half almost brought a goal as Charlton struck the bar with a free-kick from the D.
The visitors started the second half in a positive fashion, penning Boro back in their own half.
Paul Jenkins’ side coped with what was thrown at them and grew into the half, though it took more smart handling from Pears to hold onto a deflected shot that made life difficult.
Chances still proved elusive, until the game exploded into a flurry of activity in the closing minutes.
With 82 played Ahearne-Grant drilled a free-kick into a defensive wall just inside the area. Referee Andrew Miller adjudged handball and pointed to the spot.
Ahearne-Grant took the penalty and Pears, watched by proud dad, Boro legend Stephen, produced a superb save diving away to his left.
A minute later Boro were in front as they swept forward, Charlton failed to clear and Bryn Morris tucked home the loose ball from close range.
Boro were forced into a change deep in injury time when Cooke limped off and was replaced by Junior Mondal, but there was still time for more action.
Fittingly it was Pears who was involved, diving away to his left to turn away a close-range shot from Hackett-Fairchild.
Scorer Morris 84
Middlesbrough: Pears; Hegarty (Morris 75), McGhee, Elsdon, Kitching, Wheatley, Liddle, Johnson, McAloon, Cooke (Capt.) (Mondal 90+3), Morelli. Subs: Fryer (gk); McGoldrick, Maloney.
Charlton Athletic: Mitov; Ba, Edwards (Yamfam 90+1), Dijksteel, Yao, Bowry, Charles-Cook, Lapslie, Ahearne-Grant, Kennedy (Capt.), Hackett-Fairchild. Subs: Prall (gk); Assiana, Millar.
Referee Andrew Miller
Bookings
Boro Wheatley 2, foul; Johnson 12, foul
Athletic Edwards 61, foul.
Conditions Cold and dry
If you ever get a free Saturday well worth a visit.
And playing at the same time as an England match is a bit odd too.
How many pens has KAG missed this season?
We change there when we play the smoggies.