Thought we played well and I think there's a real confidence growing around the place that this side can genuinely compete for the title this season. Shame Charlton didn't really advertise this fixture - I looked on the website before the game and I couldn't find a mention of it. Disappointing really: think the crowd could easily have been twice the size if there'd been a bit more coverage.
Charlton brought multiple big boys - French International Alou Diarra, Andre Bikey, Johnnie Jackson, Igor [insert his impronouncable surname here] - along with a few kids that have been around the first team, e.g. Zak Ansah (cousin of our former striker Charlie Taylor). I thought we gave them a very good test today and remained competitive throughout. Again, we weren't full strength: Charlie Penny was involved in fitness exercises before the game, Dean Lodge was absent and I understand that Steve Sutherland has left to join an unnamed team to take up a coaching role. I'm beginning to assume that McCoulsky has moved on to pastures new too given his absence from all the friendlies so far. Really good to see Jack Dixon playing again though; he got a few minutes towards the end of the second half.
Agree with the Charlton supporter above regarding our right back, Mitchell Nelson. Think he's been our stand out player for the last few games. Defensively solid and bullish going forward, I don't think he shows any real weaknesses. I though it odd when we released Abnett, who I thought was a fairly decent full back, but this guy is definitely an improvement.
Few bits to iron out: Carew still looks defensively iffy, a lot of attacks come down our left flank and Scannell and Jarrett look a little sluggish when required to defend, but I'm being picky and I'm sure the next four games where we play teams from lower divisions will give us a good opportunity to really fine tune what already looks like a fairly fluid, coherent team.
Pinnock and Drage look like a brilliant partnership too. I've deliberately watched Drage for the last few games and he's been bordering on flawless. For someone so composed at the back its hard to believe he's only 22. Genuinely wouldn't be surprised if some pro clubs are looking at him.
Nice to see Osman Proni come on for the final few minutes as well. He's out Gav's academy and whenever I've seen him play he looks very comfortable on the ball in the middle of the pitch. Looks to be a very classy player.
A good performance. An impressive pre seasom continues.
