For the more than 250 fans that braved Storm Bert on Saturday, it was a tricky game against a strong opponent and ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Horsham, our first home league defeat since August Bank Holiday! Results elsewhere meant that the Blues only dropped one place to third, as Ahmet Rifat's Blues continue to occupy a playoff spot in the early stages of the season. As the storm begins to calm, attentions turn back to the London Senior Cup on Tuesday, as we welcome EFL opposition in the form of Charlton Athletic to the Maurice Rebak Stadium.
Our Opponents
Charlton Athletic will need little introduction to many readers; The Addicks were founded in 1905 and have been a professional club for over a little over a century, and at the turn of the millennium, Charlton were a Premier League football club. Alan Curbishley led the Addicks to playoff success in 1997/98, and after only lasting one season in the top flight, Curbishley was able to repeat the previous success, this time winning the title in the second tier in the 99/00 season. Their second stay in the top flight was longer, remaining at the top level of English football until 2007, with big name players in that period including the likes of Scott Parker, Darren Bent, Chris Powell and Paul Konchesky.
Since their relegation in 2007, the Addicks have spent the subsequent seasons bouncing between the Championship and League One, with numerous changes of ownership and supporter protests often taking the headlines rather than the on-field matters. Currently, Charlton are in League One, sat 14th at the time of writing (W5 D4 L6), with last season's top scorer Alfie May leaving for Birmingham in the summer, and this season attempting to replace May's goals coming with the likes of Matt Godden who joined from Coventry City in the summer. Nathan Jones is the current man tasked with returning Charlton to their former glory, with the former Luton Town manager having taken the reins as manager in February.
In the London Cup, Charlton are the current holders of the trophy, having won the competition in both 2022/23 and 2023/24, beating Hendon 2-1 last year to retain their title, after beating Haringey in the previous season. The Addicks use their U21s squad primarily in this competition, similar to the likes of Brentford B who the Blues played in the competition last year.
Head to Head
The Blues are yet to face Charlton Athletic in a competitive fixture - come down on Tuesday night to witness it for the first time!
Last Time Out
In the league, the Charlton U21s most recent clash against Leeds United was postponed on Saturday, their last match in the league being away at Bristol City, the game ending goalless. Charlton U21s are sat 2nd in their league, the U21 Professional Development League South. In the London Senior Cup, the Addicks youngsters won their first match 6-1 against Fisher to set up this tie. Scorers on that night were Henry Rylah, Toby Bower (2), Ethan Brown, Bradley Tagoe and Ibrahim Fullah.
Players To Watch
The captain of the U21s side is Harvey Kedwell; the midfielder has been with the Addicks since U8s and has appeared three times for the first team since signing a professional contract. Kedwell has also played on loan in the National League with Dagenham & Redbridge, appearing 17 times for the Daggers in 23/24.
Meanwhile, another youngster who played in the London Cup clash against Fisher was 19-year old midfielder Kai Enslin, who went on to make his first team debut in the EFL Trophy win against Bromley the following week, becoming the 1,001st Charlton Athletic player in the process.
For the Blues, midfielder Matty Achuba has signed for National League South side Hemel Hempstead, making his debut on Saturday, which provides an opportunity for the likes of Jaiden Drakes-Thomas to continue to impress in the Blues midfield. Drakes-Thomas is still only 20 years old himself, and has impressed many with his calmness in possession and range of passing this season so far.
The Blues made a new signing of their own last week, as midfielder Camilo Restrepo was recruited from Hashtag United. The attacking midfielder made his debut off the bench on Saturday and promises to provide Blues fans with plenty of flair and excitement, as he looks to demonstrate his futsal abilities, with experience at international and Champions League level in futsal competitions.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Maurice Rebak Stadium on Tuesday night. Our bar will be open from 6pm, and hot food will be served, including our new gourmet hot dogs; 'The Smokey Joe' and 'The Cow & Cask'. Cash and card is accepted throughout the stadium and tickets can be bought in advance here, or on the gate on matchday. Please note that season tickets are not valid for Tuesday night's fixtures, normal prices apply (Adults £12, Concessions £8, 11-18 £5, U11s FREE).
Photos courtesy of Martin Addison.
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