Phil Parkinson insists Charlton are reaping the rewards of their flourishing youth academy.

The south London club cemented their position at the top of League One with a comfortable 2-0 win over Brentford on Saturday, sealed by goals from Deon Burton and Lloyd Sam.

Sam is one of 11 youth players to have been blooded by Charlton since their relegation from the Premier League in 2007, while another - Jonjo Shelvey - signed a one-year contract extension over the weekend.

Parkinson said: "The academy players are more loyal. They care and they give you an extra edge because they know what it's all about. They've seen their club have good times and bad times and they all want to help us get back into a higher division."

Brentford boss Andy Scott rejected suggestions his newly promoted side will not be able to compete with the division's big-hitters this season. He said: "We've beaten Norwich at home and got a point at Southampton, so the players know that they can do okay against these sides."

Millwall manager Kenny Jackett is set to enter the loan market after admitting his squad are struggling to cope with a crippling injury crisis. The Lions were without 11 senior players for the 2-0 defeat at Bristol Rovers on Saturday and Jackett acknowledged: "We need some competitors and, if we have to look outside of the club for that, we will."

Leyton Orient boss Geraint Williams had to conduct a lengthy inquest into his side's second-half capitulation at Southend on Friday, which saw them slump to a 3-0 defeat.

He said: "We've had a frank discussion about our performance. We are very disappointed."

John O'Flynn admitted Barnet's confidence is flourishing after their 3-1 win at Northampton on Friday sent them top of League Two, if only for 24 hours.

Goals from O'Flynn, Ahmed Deen and Paul Furlong sealed Bees' fifth straight win and the Irish striker said: "We're in a winning mood. The Barnet of last season would have let their heads go down when we went one behind but we showed good character."

Dagenham & Redbridge manager John Still saluted his side's character in earning a 1-1 draw at Cheltenham on Saturday. Still said: "We had a disappointing week last week but the best teams respond to that. We stood up magnificently."