I watched the under-21's beat Bristol City 2-1 today and really enjoyed the game. It was very competitive, both sides got stuck in on a difficult surface, and our lads played some high quality fast attacking football in the 2nd half which was a pleasure to watch. I now think this league is a great idea, better than the old reserve league which we used to win because we had so many experienced players in the team.Players worth a mention- Fox has come on a lot since I last saw him, physically as well as football-wise.Jordan for his non-stop industry and determination, Piggott- well he's a big lad now as well, and composed with it, Harriott had a day when a lot of things didn't quite come off but he never gave up and was rewarded with a beauty with his right foot. Great team effort really.
Thanks for that Billy the OS said it was 3-1 ? Dervite, Piggot & Harriott What were Courtney Harris and David Button like?
3-1 it was. Button looked OK apart from a couple of iffy goal-kicks. Made a couple of good saves and his handling was sound. Doesn't shout at his defense which would please SuperC. I'm not sure that he's better than Pope.I'd never heard of Harris before, he looked a pretty decent prospect, played a significant part in our second-half performance, played wide mostly and looks a good passer.
I'm all for shouting and commanding a box - but just think Hamer is non sensical in his rants and who they are aimed at. Agree about this being a better concept than the reserve league. It's interesting to note that clubs are actually buying specifically for it as well. I guess Clingan has left if he wasn't playing then?
From the OS: "Senior professional development coach (U18-21) Nathan Jones, who takes charge of the side, has drafted midfielder James Ashton, who signed on a season-long loan from Chelsea on Monday morning [October 1st], into his squad for the clash in Wales [v Swansea]". Clingan started in that game. Ashton was on the bench.
Thought this might help: Just got back from the U21s.We won 3-1 against Bristol City with goals from Dervite,Harriott and substitute Piggot.It was an even first half with us scoring but it was disallowed for Harriott being offside,he was deemed to be interfering with play as he was right in front of the Goalkeeper.Dervite scored with a header from a corner.Harriott scored when he looked like he was going to shoot on his left but then stuck it away with his right.Substitute Pigott also scored when Harris on the right of the penalty area gave an unselfish ball which was buried into the corner.Azeez in the first half missed a sitter from seven yards when it looked easier to score.Pigott also had a good header ruled out for offside.Bristol City scored a consolation when a powerful shot from twenty yards hit the inside of the post and bounced into the net. Charlton team: Button Osbourne,Ajayi,Dervite,Fox Harris,Ashton,Bover,Jordan Harriott Azeez Subs Pope,Piggott(for Azeez) Cousins (for Ashton) Gerard(for Bover).
Thanks for the report Dick - sounds an excellent performance. I see Dervite got 90 minutes - did he look as if he was struggling or did he look pretty much fit?
Good to hear, FHB - he looked pretty cultured at Gillingham, but he was conserving his energy, to put it mildly.
This item on the BBC website today reveals an u21 talent in our ranks the club has been keeping well under wraps (unless it is Solly playing under an alias) Stuart Pearce's England Under-21s took a significant step towards Euro 2013 with victory over Serbia in their play-off first-leg at Carrow Road. West Brom defender Craig Dawson scored the only goal of a breathless game from the penalty spot after Charlton full-back Adam Smith was fouled in the box.
