Mason Burstow debut goal tops off Charlton’s Papa Johns Trophy thrashing of Crawley Town
BY LOUIS MENDEZ
Charlton kicked off their EFL Trophy campaign in style as they thrashed League Two outfit Crawley Town 6-1.
Assistant manager Johnnie Jackson took the team with boss Nigel Adkins concentrating on the closure of the transfer window.
The Addicks stormed into a three-goal lead inside the first quarter as Josh Davison and full debutants Corey Blackett-Taylor and Elliot Lee found the net.
An own-goal from George Francomb, diverting a Davison cross in, extended the lead shortly after the interval before Crawley substitute Kwesi Appiah pulled one back from the spot.
Youngster Mason Burstow added a fifth just minutes after coming on to make his first-team debut, with Davison bagging his second of the game in the closing stages.
Jackson was particularly pleased with the display from Burstow, who signed his first professional deal with the club this summer.
“Loads of positives from the night but if you were going to highlight one, for an 18-year-old to come on for his debut – just making his debut is one thing but coming on and scoring within a few minutes was a dream come true for the lad,” said Jackson.
“And for us as coaches as well because this football club prides itself on its academy and promoting youth and that’s another one that we’ve managed to give a debut tonight and to cap it off with a goal, fantastic.
“Two and a half [goals for Josh Davison]! You always want your strikers to score. If it’s going to be anyone you want it to be the strikers because it breeds that confidence. Josh has been excellent and he deserved his opportunity tonight. He’s trained hard and done everything we’ve asked of him and he’s ready. If he needs to step in, if we have any issues with Jayden and he has to come out of the team for any reason then Josh is there and we have every faith in him.
“Tonight was a great game for us. It gave us an opportunity to give a full debut to Elliot and get more minutes into him. An opportunity for lads who have not been in the side to get minutes and the young lads to show what they can do. Tonight was a real mix.
“The gaffer was happy with me stepping up, with Jason’s help obviously. Busy evening, as well, so I’m sure he’s focused and perhaps needed to be on two different things at the same time. It was a good opportunity for me and he showed faith in me to go and lead the side which was really pleasing.”
PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS