Charlton boss reacts to Alfie May’s first goal and explains defender’s absence in Leyton Orient draw
Dean Holden says it was “great” for Alfie May to get his first goal for Charlton Athletic in Friday’s pre-season draw with League One side Leyton Orient.
The 29-year-old scored his first goal since signing from Cheltenham Town in the first half when he pounced on a loose ball inside the area in the 29th minute and steered a shot beyond Orient keeper Sol Brynn.
Charlton were forced to settle for a draw thanks to Aaron Drinan’s equaliser.
The game took place at Marbella’s Banus Football Center. It was 120 minutes long, split into four 30-minute quarters.
“His link-up play was excellent,” Holden told Charlton TV.
“There was only one time he lost it under pressure. He made himself a nuisance and managed to retain the ball and find the pass, and then we have runners and threats in behind.
“Jack Payne, as well, in the second period, showed his energy around the pitch.
“It’s great for Alfie to score in his first game. Although it was non-competitive at the moment, that’s what we have brought him in to do.
“One chance and he took it.”
Lloyd Jones, who joined the Addicks this summer after leaving Cambridge United, was not included in the matchday squad.
Holden said: “Lloyd has only trained with us twice up until now with the injury he had towards the back end of last season.
“He’s not quite ready to come into the team. But he has trained well and he won’t be too far away.”
I watched the Leyton Orient match at the Banus Football Center today. I thought Alfie May had plenty of zizz and will be a very good buy despite his lack of height, but what’s happened to Ness ? I thought he was good at left back last year but today he was hopeless, out of position and obviously very unfit. After the first two 30 minute sessions I think it should have been halted as the heat was terrific and the players were knackered…….I know I was,……sitting on a hard wooden bench with no shade for an hour !!