Parky hails young guns
Phil Parkinson paid tribute to the club's youngsters after a CAFC XI left Bedfordshire with a narrow 2-1 victory under their belts on Wednesday night.
And the Addicks manager reserved special praise for 18-year-old midfielder Ben Davisson, who snatched the winning goal in the dying seconds of the friendly against Bedford Town.
Almost 12 months ago, Davisson's 2009/10 pre-season was curtailed by a double fracture of his ankle following a crude challenge in an U18s friendly against Gillingham.
That led to a six-month spell on the sidelines and huge fight to return to fitness and earn a professional contract for the current campaign, and his late winner against the Eagles again illustrated the contrasting emotions that football can supply.
"Matches at this stage of the season are first and foremost about fitness," said Parkinson. "But there is also nothing like coming off the pitch after a competitive game having grabbed a late winner.
"A lot of the young players got the opportunity to play and show what they could do, and they were on a high after the final whistle. It's great to have that winning feeling, but I was especially pleased for Ben. He was having a good pre-season 12 months ago and was really set back by the injury.
"He's had a tough time of it, but he's persevered and he's been showing signs of what we saw in him 12 months ago; there are glimpses that he is starting to get back to the player we saw last year."
Davisson, who also recovered from the debilitating effects of glandular fever during his academy days, was one of seven academy players or new professionals who featured against Bedford.
And U18s goalkeeper Conor Gough also caught the eye, particularly in the opening minutes when he saved Robbie Miller's penalty to prevent Town from taking the lead after the referee ruled there had been a handball in the Addicks box. "It was a very good save from Conor, it was one where the goalkeeper has produced a proper save rather than the player has hit a poor penalty," said Phil. "That was just one more positive point for us, and it was another good work-out.
"We've had a good four days away, and we've worked hard in training and on the pitch in that time. It's been a great experience for the youngsters in particular, and the entire squad has shown a good attitude. It's been a good trip."
Also involved from the outset against Bedford were three players - Jonathan Fortune, James Mulley and Lee Sawyer - not currently contracted to Charlton, while Guillem Bauza was an unused substitute.
There were 66 minutes for midfielder Therry Racon, who missed the match against Kettering Town the previous Saturday, and a first start for Kyel Reid since the winger rejoined the club on a free transfer.
Charlton are next in friendly action against Barnet on Saturday (3pm). Ticket information for the match at Underhill is available here.
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