A YOUNG Charlton side fell to a decisive defeat at the hands of a full-strength Barnet on Saturday.
An Addicks XI was fielded by assistant manager Mark Kinsella at Underhill, with Jose Semedo and Kelly Youga the only first-choice players in a much-changed starting line-up from Tuesday’s victory at Crawley Town.
And despite Izale McLeod forcing a couple of good saves from Jake Cole in the opening 20 minutes, it was an error from Youga which allowed 40-year-old forward Paul Furlong to place the opening goal past Darren Randolph.
The Bees continued to overwhelm their inexperienced opponents and had further chances through Furlong and lively winger Albert Adomah.
McLeod had a golden opportunity to equalise on the half hour mark when Jack Clark’s free-kick found him unmarked two yards out, but he somehow managed to direct his header wide of goal.
Adamoah unleashed a fantastic run through the Charlton back line just after an hour played, but could only fire straight at Randolph in the penalty area.
With 20 minutes remaining, Alex Stavrinou’s grounded through pass set Stuart Fleetwood clear on goal, but his low shot rolled agonisingly onto the upright and back into the arms of Cole.
And 10 minutes later, Barnet killed off the game when the impressive Adomah latched onto a loose ball in the box after a period of attacking pressure from the Bees, his shot slithering under the arms of Randolph and over the line.
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