CARDIFF CITY U23 ........................... 4 CHARLTON ATHLETIC U23 ............. 5

MAX Watters gave Mick McCarthy and Terry Connor food for though after he bagged a brace in Cardiff City under-23s’ 5-4 defeat by Charlton Athletic.

McCarthy and Connor wanted to keep an eye on a few youngsters, but January signing Watters and centre back Ciaron Brown were the two at the top of the list.

Neither have featured under the new manager, save 16 minutes for Watters against Luton Town, and it was a prime opportunity for them both to impress.

And Watters, it must be said, did just that.

The former Crawley Town forward scored his first and second goals in a Bluebirds shirt as the home side turned around a threegoal deficit at Leckwith.

After the break, with City 4-1 down, the hosts ramped up the attacking intent and Kieron Evans and Roland Idowu were pivotal to that. Evans crafted a couple of chances and one of them saw the ball drop to Owen Pritchard on the edge of the box.

The right back lofted in an inviting cross and Watters did well to leap highest and head home at the near post.

At the other end, Brown looked assured. Yes, City conceded too many goals, but they were largely down to a couple of minor errors apiece from the trialist centre back and goalkeeper George Ratcliffe.

Brown was imposing at the back for the most part. He misplaced a pass or two but by and large looked really comfortable and showcased some real leadership.

Watters, though, grew in confidence after his goal and linked up really well with City’s exciting attacking contingent. In fact, Watters was also key in setting up City’s third.

To level the game, Evans sent in a delightful cross from the wing, swung into a nice area, and Watters cleverly glanced the ball into the far corner to bag his second. Charles Clayden struck the decisive blow for Charlton to come out on top in the nine-goal thriller.