Leaburn injured in Welling win
The Addicks kicked off pre-season with a 4-0 win at Welling. First half goals from Sam Lavelle, Karoy Anderson and Zach Mitchell gave us a 3-0 lead at the break. A complete new team played the 2nd half with Charlie Kirk adding a 4th.
Sadly Miles Leaburn went off early in the first half with an ankle injury after a poor tackle from a Welling defender. The seriousness is not yet known.
Charlton were missing new signings Lloyd Jones and Michael Hector plus Chuks Aneke, who has picked up a fresh calf problem in the first week of pre-season training 🙈.
The game was a sell-out and the start was delayed by 15 minutes due to crowd congestion, with 2,765 in attendance, almost 2,000 more than the Wings’ average last season.
Charlton started the first half with left-sided centre-back Chris Francis playing on trial. The 20-year old was released by Bournemouth this summer and spent part of last season on loan at Weymouth.
Dartford away are next as we wait on more news of Leaburn’s ankle.
Photo credit: Keith Gillard
I enjoyed my visit to Welling and not too far from home…I wouldn’t read too much into the result as Welling really didn’t cause us any concerns….apart from Miles getting an ankle knock.
Stiffer challenges lie ahead and the friendly against Aberdeen will be a better indicator of how the team has gelled.
Still a win is still a win !!!
A good loosener and other than the challenge on Miles Leaburn there wasn’t much to discuss. The goals were all scored by players who either might not be at the club by the time the season kicks off (Sam Lavelle and Charlie Kirk) or by players who are not going to be first team regulars (Zach Mitchell and Karoy Anderson).
A nice little earner for Welling though who have had what’s likely to be their biggest pay day this season.
I wonder why we are trialling central defenders?
So, if Chuks is injured (as usual) and Leaburn has a serious injury. We could start the season with no senior striker…………..
We’ll have Alfie May by then…
Mrs Leaburn has the telephone number of Lyle Taylor, and he is currently available………?
I went to the game yesterday and lack of sharpness was evident but the central defenders all looked comfortable . Like Michael West I cannot understand why we are looking at another central defender when three have signed in the last week. All the young CAFC defenders looked more comfortable than triallist, Francis.
With Ness, Mitchell and Elewere all fit and Toure and Laqeratabua hopefully regaining fitness after their injury problems there doesn’t appear a need unless departures are imminent . Possibly Lavelle and Ness. I hope I am wrong but Ness’s good form prior to injury last season could lead to interest from higher level clubs, and who amongst us would doubt the ‘owners’ could cash in.
The injury to Leaburn is worrying and he did look bigger than I remember. He fell over a couple of times and appeared to lack co-ordination, I hope that it was due to lack of sharpness. You may remember John Pearson who as he grew bigger lost co-ordination and form.
The midfield lacked a credible playmaker and obviously a new striker(s) is a priority
Asiimwe looked a better prospect for the right back/wingback position than Egbo.
Chin is being used as left side back/wingback and not given a chance to play in midfield where he played as an U18
Aneke injured again, what a suprise!!!