Both teams had a player sent off during the Professional Under-23 Development League clash between Charlton Athletic and Cardiff City at Sparrows Lane, London. The home team edged to victory 1-0.
Bluebirds full-back Daniel Martin saw red for a late challenge just after the hour, while Charlton’s Ryan Blumberg was dismissed after fouling City substitute Ibrahim Meite when he was through on goal.
The only goal of the game was scored by former Watford, Arsenal, Leyton Orient, Barnsley and Enfield player Wilberforce Ocran after 27 minutes.
The versatile Ocran, who scored 40 goals in 12 matches at schoolboy level, can play as a striker or attacking midfield player.
Coaches Jarred Harvey and Andy Legg made five changes to their starting line-up for the 1-1 draw against Bristol City. Paul McKay, Laurence Wootton, Jamie Veale, Jake Evans and Jack McKay all returned.
It was a competitive opening and Ocran went close when he surged down the right flank and fired against the woodwork from close range.
Jake Evans went close with a shot which flew just wide after good work by Jamie Veale before Ocran capitalised on a slip by Cardiff goalkeeper Matt Hall and tapped the ball into an empty net.
It was a fortunate goal for the hosts and a blow for Hall, who had an excellent match apart from that one error.
Defender Paul McKay glanced a header just over following a pin-point James Waite delivery.
Cardiff had started the second half on top and Addicks ‘keeper Joe Osaghae had to dive to his left on the hour mark to save a powerful Paul McKay strike.
The Bluebirds momentum was dented on 62 minutes when Martin was given a straight red card for a last-man foul on Ocran, who had burst through on goal.
Despite being down to 10 players the young Bluebirds kept pushing forward and Osagahe was sprung into action again on 70 minutes when he had to make a spectacular save from a Jake Evans volley.
Charlton could have doubled their 15 minutes from time. Billy Clarke burst through one-on-one and tried to square the ball for substitute Mikhail Kennedy, but his pass to be cut out.
A minute later, Clarke went through again but was denied by goalkeeper Hall and the goalkeeper denied Albie Morgan after 78 minutes.
Blumberg was sent off soon after and Cardiff pushed on again. Centre-half Jack Bodenham was just off target two minutes from time when he headed wide from six yards, but Cardiff were unable to force an equaliser and coach Jason Euell’s Charlton held on for a hard-fought victory.
The next match for Cardiff’s under-23 team is against Colchester United at the Cardiff Sports Stadium, Leckwith on Monday, December 17 (1pm).
Charlton Athletic: Osaghae, Yao, Zemura, Dempsey, Bowry, Blumberg, Sarpong-Wiredu (Morgan 64’), Maloney, Ocran (Kennedy 73), Clarke (Carey 87), Odoh. Subs Not Used: Harvey.
Cardiff City: Matthew Hall, Paul McKay, Daniel Martin, Lloyd Humphries, Ciaran Brown, Jack Bodenham, Laurence Wootton, Jamie Veale, Jack McKay (Ibrahim Meite 78), James Waite, Jack Evans. Subs Not Used: Ryan Pryce, Warren Burwood (gk), Fowler.
