It was an unusual match in all respects. Spectators couldn’t get into the ground via the normal entrance, as there was a kids tournament taking place on the pitches closest to the Liberty and today’s stewards didn’t seem to have any knowhow as to how U18 games are run. As it was, Charlton’s team coach was delayed, so both the U16 & U18 games got pushed back to 2 o’clock kick-offs.
For many years, Charlton have been formidable at this level and, although they started slowly, today was no different.
Our line-up was 3-4-3: Evan Watts; Jada Mawongo, Arthur Parker, Richard Faakye; Zane Myers, Dan Watts, Josh Carey, Seb Dabrowski; Geoff Bony, Kyrell Wilson, Iwan Morgan. Subs: Kit Margetson – not named in the teamsheet – came on in the 32nd minute for Evan Watts, who pulled a muscle. David Roberts came on for Arthur Parker on 72. Rohan Davies and Aimar Govea came on for Zane Myers and Geoff Bony respectively on 82 minutes.
No need to repeat the match facts in the official report, so some observations:
We didn’t play particularly well but created a huge amount of chances throughout the game – about half a dozen in the last 5 minutes alone.
Our team play, so telling to date under Darren Davies, wasn’t cohesive today – our defence was as open as a barn door and our middle 2 were outnumbered by their opponents.
The experiment of using Seb Dabrowski as a left wing back was reasonably successful and probably worth persevering with – he has a great touch and delivery. Zane Myers looked like a fish out of water on the right hand side.
Our front 3 are a potent force – Geoff Bony scored 2 great goals and both Morgan and Wilson could easily have got on the scoresheet. Sub Rohan Davies finally did in added time – and even he had spurned an earlier 1 on 1 with the Charlton keeper.
An entertaining game, our youngsters played their part and we will surely recover our team organisation in future.
Charlton were coached today by ex-Leeds, Bournemouth and Portsmouth defender Jason Pearce.
Very few people in the stand, mostly parents. My starstruck brother and I – combined age 125 – were totally made up by the watching Wilfred Bony signing our teamsheets.
Here’s the official report of the game.
Why not have a browse of the Swansea City Under 18 v Charlton Athletic Under 18 Professional Development League match image gallery.
Feature image credit: Majestic Media