Report: Crawley 0 Charlton 2 - Ben Reeves and George Lapslie on target in dominant Checkatrade Trophy win

The Addicks dominated the ball and chances, and never looked like conceding. They move up to first in the Southern Group A, leapfrogging Fulham’s U21s.

Karl Robinson made 11 changes to the team that beat Rotherham on the weekend, opting to start eight Charlton academy graduates.

Charlton would have been behind if it wasn't for Dillon Phillips’ heroics in the 19th minute. His sharp reflexes prevented an Aaron Barnes own goal after a cross cannoned off the full-back.

The Addicks launched their first attack through Karlan Ahearne-Grant, who shot straight at Yusuf Mersin. The young forward should have pulled the ball back to an unmarked Reeco Hackett-Fairchild.

Crawley rarely threatened Robinson’s men in the first-half, and could only muster up speculative long-range efforts.

Charlton took the lead through Reeves in the 37th minute. Relentless pressing from the Addicks forced Crawley stopper Yusuf Mersin into a rushed clearance, which Andrew Crofts intercepted. He played the ball to the former MK Dons man, who turned and fiercely fired home from 15 yards.

Reeves continued to be the Addicks’ most dangerous player in the second-half when he played in Regan Charles-Cook, whose shot was saved by Mersin.

Charlton’s goalscorer was replaced by Addicks debutant Lapslie shortly after the break - the plan was always to give him at least 45 minutes as he builds his fitness up. The Addicks had Ezri Konsa to thank on the hour mark after the defender made a crucial block to deny Ibrahim Meite from close-range.

And the south Londoners doubled their one-goal advantage just 10 minutes later when Hackett-Fairchild’s flick-on found Lapslie, whose shot trickled in off the post.

Charlton XI: Phillips, Dijksteel, Konsa, Sarr, Barnes (Jackson, 68), Crofts (Maloney, 89), Aribo, Charles-Cook, Reeves (Lapslie 55), Ahearne-Grant, Hackett-Fairchild.

Subs not used: Maynard-Brewer, Yamfam.

Attendance: 1,662 (650 Charlton fans).