A second-half header from Charlton Athletic’s Josh Umerah was enough to see our Under-21s slip to a narrow 1-0 defeat at the Valley on Monday afternoon.

Umerah nodded home the only goal of the game on 54 minutes after Josh Staunton’s cross was flicked into his path at the back post by Mikhail Kennedy, moments after the hosts had been denied an opener as Brandon Hanlan’s effort was flagged for offside.

United’s starting line-up featured the regular blend of youth and players with first-team experience, with senior squad members Jordan Botaka, Lee Erwin and Casper Sloth involved once again.

Botaka and Erwin both played the opening 45 minutes before being replaced at half-time, possibly with an eye on Tuesday’s Championship trip to Birmingham City, while Sloth completed the full 90 in midfield.

The result sees Charlton edge closer to clinching the Professional Development League 2 South title, while the United youngsters have now suffered back-to-back defeats and will be looking to make amends when Colchester visit Thorp Arch next Monday afternoon.

Under-21s team vs Charlton: Grimes, Vann, Skelton, P McKay, Denton, Purver, Sloth, Stokes, Botaka (Wilks 45), Erwin (Mulhern 45), J McKay (Vieira 82). Subs not used: Huffer, Downing.