‘Exactly what we wanted’ – Addicks boss Dean Holden reacts to pre-season draw with League One side Leyton Orient

Dean Holden says that Charlton Athletic’s 1-1 draw with fellow League One side Leyton Orient was “exactly” what his side wanted at this stage of pre-season.

Alfie May opened his Charlton account when he collected the ball inside the area and directed an effort beyond Orient keeper Sol Brynn.

Orient, who won League Two last season, brought the scoreline level through Aaron Drinan.

The game took place this morning in Spain.

“It was exactly what we wanted at this time in pre-season,” Holden told Charlton TV. “It was exactly what we expected it to be – it was a competitive game.

“We came out in that first quarter and really took control of the game – we saw some good link-up play with Scott Fraser and Alfie May.

“Alfie didn’t take long to score his first goal and he had one disallowed.

“In the second half of that 30, we adapted our approach – we looked at a different type of out-of-possession structure. 

“We flattened off into a back five – a mid-block. We allowed Leyton Orient to have a lot of the ball on the outsides of us. They only created one big chance, where we didn’t defend well enough.

“They had a lot of possession without really hurting us. We regained it and looked really dangerous on transition. 

“There were so many moments throughout the game – particularly in that first hour – where we regained possession, had runners, but didn’t quite execute that final ball.

“We had a swap of teams after an hour. We had control of the game again but didn’t carry enough of a threat in that final third.

“There were lots of good signs. You’re watching it at times thinking ‘I’m glad we still have a couple of weeks until the season starts, because there is plenty we need to iron out.’