Charlton Athletic win 4-0 at Welling United but Miles Leaburn forced off with ankle injury

Charlton Athletic kicked off their pre-season friendly schedule with a 4-0 win over Welling United today.

The start of the match was delayed by 15 minutes due to crowd congestion, with 2,765 in attendance.

The Addicks had a mystery triallist involved in the first half who was later identified as left-sided centre-back Chris Francis, released by AFC Bournemouth in May.

There was a setback for Dean Holden’s side in the first period as Miles Leaburn went off with an injury to his right ankle. Welling defender Taofiq Olomowewe produced a crude challenge on the young striker inside the box which could easily have been awarded as a penalty by referee Isaac Searle.

Charlton were comfortable in the first period with Sam Lavelle heading in Scott Fraser’s cross to open the scoring. Karoy Anderson, Leaburn’s replacement, then produced a precision finish for Charlton’s second. The substitute was the recipient of Tyreece Campbell’s break down the left with the winger cuing Anderson up.

Zach Mitchell rifled a third before the interval.

Charlton completely changed their team for the second half with keeper Harry Isted making his first appearance since signing on a free transfer following his release by Luton Town.

And 10 minutes into that period the League One club extended their advantage to 4-0 with Charlie Kirk poking in after Daniel Kanu and Corey Blackett-Taylor combined on the left of the penalty area.

Isted had little of note to do with Charlton the more likely to add more goals. Welling’s second half goalkeeper – listed on the teamsheet as Trialist L – made an excellent double save.

And there looked to be at least a couple more penalty claims for the visitors, including one for handball as Kanu tried to finish about 10 yards out.

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD