Charlton Athletic boss gives verdict on 3-1 win over Gillingham – with manner of goals pleasing him

Dean Holden was pleased with Charlton Athletic’s 3-1 friendly win over Gillingham tonight.

Tyreece Campbell’s finish after less than a minute put the Addicks ahead at the Priestfield Stadium before Will Wright’s free-kick made it 1-1.

Charlton produced a quickfire double in the second period, Corey Blackett-Taylor rifling a low finish home before Jack Payne reacted quickest after Nathan Asiimwe’s cross was not cleared.

Addicks boss Holden confirmed that the players who came on in the closing stages will start Saturday’s friendly at Wealdstone.

“I was really pleased with the opening 10 minutes – we were really strong, moved the ball quickly and the defensive line was high – we got a number of regains,” he said. “From 10 minutes until half-time I didn’t really recognise us. We played too deep as a team and we invited pressure on. They dominated us physically in that midfield area at times.

“We started the second half well in the first 10-15 minutes. We got back on the front foot and regained control of the game. When you get all the changes it gets a bit messy towards the end.

“The goals were pleasing.

“The first one we regain the ball just outside our box and within three passes TC is inside their box to score. It is great link-up play from Alfie (May), from a pass by Dobbo (George Dobson). TC is running in behind, which is what you want.

“The second one is the same. We get a switch of play from Dobbo to Corey to get him isolated, which is what we want. It’s a good finish.

“The third goal is really pleasing. Ash (Maynard-Brewer) catches it and again within three or four passes we get Nathan inside their 18-yard box. he crosses it and Payney lands on it – opportunist – and scores.

“That’s the type of play we want to see, going through the pitch quickly. This team from last pre-season to Christmas was more possession based style. You need that at times, like when opponents sit in, but I want us to play forward when we can and really hurt teams.”

Campbell played a more central role for Charlton and Holden admitted the youngster could be deployed in a similar role once the League One season starts.

The Addicks are in the market for another striker. Miles Leaburn will miss the opening weeks with the ankle injury he suffered at Welling while Chuks Aneke (calf) is also unavailable.

“We have to look at that, for sure,” said Holden, when asked about Campbell playing through the middle. “He’s a player that can take the ball in tight areas but he drifts into the middle.

“He is a really intelligent player. The teamsheet probably said he was playing up front with Alfie but you could see he was playing more off the front, a number 10 type. He gives opposition real problems with his movement, sometimes the ability to stand still and wait for the ball to come to him.”

PICTURES: KYLE ANDREWS