Charlton boss Lee Bowyer praises his young side after FA Cup defeat against West Brom
BY LOUIS MENDEZ
Charlton were knocked out of this season’s FA Cup but Lee Bowyer was pleased with the display from his young side against a vastly more experienced West Brom.
Kenneth Zohore’s first-half strike was enough to see off an Addicks team that included full debuts for 16-year-old Aaron Henry, James Vennings and Abraham Odoh (both 19) and a first Addicks appearance for Aston Villa loanee Andre Green as well.
19-year-old striker Josh Davison led the line for the South Londoners and nearly forced a replay as his acrobatic volley crashed off the crossbar in the closing stages.
“At the end of the day we’ve lost the game, said Bowyer.
“I don’t like losing any game. But taking into account the lads that have started, their age and experience, then I thought that we gave a good account of ourselves. First-half, we got into our shape. The goal was poor but we restricted them. Second-half, we had a go. A couple of chances, half chances, Josh [Davison] hit the bar.
“They’ve played against proper players. I played against three of those players. Gareth Barry, Charlie Austin and Chris Brunt. They’re proper players. Young Aaron Henry and Albie Morgan playing against proper players and they held their own.
“Of course, at times, especially first-half, we broke on them a few times but lacked a quality delivery. But they tried their hardest. We didn’t disgrace ourselves in anyway.
“Great experience for all those young lads. Abraham Odoh – it’s a first start for him and he’s pressing Chris Brunt and Gareth Barry. For Deji [Oshilaja] and Naby [Sarr], it’s a good experience looking after those kids and guiding them. They have to talk and organise.
“Josh [Davison] up top tried his hardest again. He lost the ball at times but he’s going to.
“Andre Green did some good things. First-half, he got to the byline a couple of times and put some good balls in. He’s a little bit behind on fitness but he’ll get better the more he trains again.”
PHOTOS: PAUL EDWARDS
With the return of some injured players in the next few weeks I hope some positive results will come about. The new owners should provide the financial backing for Lee to purchase some players to enable us to climb away from the lower region of the table
I have always been proud of our youngsters throughout my 60 years of coming to Charlton. I think the new owners have seen what we have here and have struck lucky I hope they invest and make Charlton even greater.