COVENTRY City Under 18s fell to a 2-1 defeat away to Charlton Athletic the week after battling to a goalless draw on the road to Ipswich Town.

Gregor Rioch's side could have easily been three or four goals to the good at half time against the Addicks but were infact a goal behind at the interval after conceding a goal in first half injury time.

Rioch welcomed back experienced trio Adam Walker, Shaun Jeffers and Jordan Clarke who made his first appearance since recovering from an ankle injury and the Sky Blues showcased their threat by carving out early chances.

It was the hosts the opened the scoring though with a sucker punch right on the stroke of half-time when the Addicks striker came in from an offside position to rob the ball off a City defender and break away to slot home Charlton's first goal.

Rob Ogleby and Jeffers signalled their intent to get the Sky Blues back in the game early in the second half, both with efforts which whistled just over the bar.

But it got worse for Cityearly on in the second half when the Addicks bagged a second goal from a corner to leave the Sky Blues up against it.

Rioch's side responded by switching to an attacking 4-2-4 formation and their endeavour was rewarded 25 minutes from time when Rob Ogleby reduced the deficit with a fine half volley.

For all of the Sky Blues' attack and possession though they could not find an equalizer as Charlton continually killed time and managed to hang on for the three points with their backs firmly to the wall.

Rioch said: "It was one of those games where we could have been four or five goals up at half time but as it happened we conceded a disappointing goal which we should maybe put down to experience.

"We rallied extremely well in the second half and Rob Ogleby's goal gave us a bit of hope but Charlton limited the amount of actual football being played in the later stages.

"The boys' attitude and performance were excellent but maybe we have to look at the goals we conceded and try to be that little bit stronger but it was still a game we could quite easily have won so it's pleasing we're doing things in the right way.

"We have perhaps not had such a settled side this season in comparison to last year where we had a core of regular players week in and week out but I'm still very pleased with the effort the boys have given me."