Charlton U21s host Barnsley this afternoon at The Valley. Here is how we lineup:
Adegoke; Okwumo, Toure, Bakrin, Asiimwe; Gough (c), Kedwell, Huke; Ladapo, Hand, Santos
Subs: Sadler, Enslin, Cann, Safa, Fullah
Nice little move, good ball by Huke and Santos curls it off the bar. After a slow opening 15 minutes we're definitely looking more likely at the moment.
Half time 1-0 to Barnsley. For all the Barnsley possession they've barely threatened, we've been our own worst enemies, with the mix up for the goal, and the almost own goal. Other than that, one free header at the back past is the only time they came close.
Hand with the best chance of the half but couldn't take it, then 2 half chances for Santos and Huke. Missing the physical presence of Mbick, someone to hold it up and let the likes of Ladapo, Huke and Santos add support.
Barnsley the better side but the score line flatters them a little as we have had chances too.
Very young side and no striker doesn't help but this is the nature of U21 games with other demands on the squad EG loans and first team plus U18s game yesterday.
Full time, 4-0 Barnsley. They controlled the second half, but were helped by some woeful defending. No real threat from us in that half. Thought Ladapo and Santos showed moments of ability and threat throughout the game, and Ladapo in particular was not scared to run at them, but overall not a game that our players will look at fondly.
Very inexperienced looking side. Are there any other youth games coming up that players have been rested for?
Under 18's played yesterday, and are playing again at the weekend. Under 21s are playing every 3 or 4 days now till the end of the season, including the London Senior Cup. Surprised we haven't put in a couple of the more experienced loans today that aren't playing to help out, but maybe the coaches think it's a better experience for players that are going to be here next year to get that game time instead.
Very inexperienced looking side. Are there any other youth games coming up that players have been rested for?
Under 18's played yesterday, and are playing again at the weekend. Under 21s are playing every 3 or 4 days now till the end of the season, including the London Senior Cup. Surprised we haven't put in a couple of the more experienced loans today that aren't playing to help out, but maybe the coaches think it's a better experience for players that are going to be here next year to get that game time instead.
NJ isn't exactly forthcoming about injuries, but didn't seem to suggest we had many actually out at the moment, so strange that 1 or more of the senior pros didn't play some minutes, the likes of Jones, Ness and Taylor for example.
Charlie Methven came out to sit in the front row of the director's box for a short while during the game. I don't think he was impressed with the performance.
Comments
Hand with the best chance of the half but couldn't take it, then 2 half chances for Santos and Huke. Missing the physical presence of Mbick, someone to hold it up and let the likes of Ladapo, Huke and Santos add support.
Asiimwe and Kedwell off - Enslin & Fullah on.
Adegoke has to do better there.
Barnsley the better side but the score line flatters them a little as we have had chances too.
Very young side and no striker doesn't help but this is the nature of U21 games with other demands on the squad EG loans and first team plus U18s game yesterday.
Still, not a good day at the office.
Hand off for Safa.
Or is this another error under the " Matches" link on the OS ?