It's an interesting decision by the management to play the likes of KAG tonight, when we have a game in 2 days time in which he could have featured
I'm sure he would have the right hump if he had to miss out on a final after playing all season to get there!
Hmm, playing in front of 1200 people against Gillingham in a mickey mouse cup.... or playing in front of 20000 at The Valley with masses of press watching on...
for some reason other KAG never gets near the 1st team these days
I wouldn't panic too much. He's not yet 18.
If in three years, he's still not knocking on the door... then I'd be worried that his potential has fizzled out.
For now, he's gaining a lot more from scoring a winning goal in the Kent Cup final against League One opposition than he is on the bench in the Championship.
It's an interesting decision by the management to play the likes of KAG tonight, when we have a game in 2 days time in which he could have featured
I'm sure he would have the right hump if he had to miss out on a final after playing all season to get there!
Hmm, playing in front of 1200 people against Gillingham in a mickey mouse cup.... or playing in front of 20000 at The Valley with masses of press watching on...
And scouts looking for players for next season...
Actually makes it sound like a good decision by the management!
Pretty cynical by the Gills to put 7 first teamers in, hardly fair on the lads who got them there, Ahearn Grant was superb, and Sam Bone at 16 looks more than useful.
Great win, can't believe KAG isn't yet 18, a really exciting talent.
Hilarious that Gillingham broke the gentlemans agreement and played seven senior players in their squad and still lost but shows how strong our youngsters are.
Went to the game last night, 1st half was pretty entertaining gills looked strong their long ball seem to trouble the defence, maybe shouldn't have lead at half time, but a bit of luck with a miss placed back pass and a very good finish
The tackle at the end of the half by our young lad was worthy of a straight red
2nd half was pretty poor so many silly fouls under pressure but gills only had 1 shot on target (in stoppage time)
Just a shame cafc didn't show there passing game but they are a rough diamonds and need some polishing
A bit of time to think about last night, and a few comments.
Despite being under the cosh for a large portion of the 2nd half, I cannot remember Phillips having a serious save to make. Thomas and Lennon were superb in central defence, (particularly Lennon) and Gillingham, despite it almost literally being Men against Boys, never looked like scoring from the numerous corners that they had.
Phillips was brave, vocal, and always looking to start quick counter attacks.
The 3 midfielders did struggle a little, being out numbered, and out powered for a lot of the game, but kept at it, and never took a step back under some pretty fierce intimidation, and, if I dare say it, some weak refereeing.
Of the front men, Kennedy's work rate was unbelievable. Despite looking half the size of some of the opposition, never stopped calling for the ball, and playing more defensively in the 2nd half, won more than his fair share of battles. Umerah tired quite badly towards the end, but like others, never took a backward step.
But, special mention must go to KAG. Not only Man of The Match, but player of the tournament. Looked to have more class, and decidedly more pace, than any of his more experienced opponents.
And to put into his contribution into perspective, in the 4 games Charlton have played in this season's tournament, Charlton have scored 13 goals. Ahearne-Grant has scored over half of those, with seven.
And a comment about Gillingham. The attitude of their senior players, in what some have described, as a 'Mickey Mouse tournament' was, in my opinion, appalling. Constantly moaning to the referee in attempts to get one or another Charlton player sent off. (Looking at some of their players, they could have sons the age of some of ours!) At one stage in the second half, I became so angry at their antics, I shouted that if the KSC was that important to them, they could have it.
But our boys were magnificent. Stood up to the intimidation, and gave as good as they got. There was an incident in the first half when Lennon was punished for a (what looked to me) like a strong challenge. The Gills player leapt to his feet and shoved Harry. At which point Harry could have backed down, or lost his rag completely. He did neither, standing his ground, he shoved back...
My respect for these kids, in an intimidating, physical encounter, holds no bounds. This was not a time for the silky, swift passing game that they have employed in previous games in the tournament. This was a time for courageous, "in the trenches", physical football. And the boys were not found wanting.
I hope Charlton decide to remain in the competition especially with the match report stating that we'd only agreed to come back a few years ago with Gillingham provided that Development Squads were used
Comments
And they have a game on Sunday!
If in three years, he's still not knocking on the door... then I'd be worried that his potential has fizzled out.
For now, he's gaining a lot more from scoring a winning goal in the Kent Cup final against League One opposition than he is on the bench in the Championship.
Actually makes it sound like a good decision by the management!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6-BRAND-NEW-HOME-BREW-MILK-CRATES-9-5-INCHES-TALL-/331526348063?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4d30829d1f
Hilarious that Gillingham broke the gentlemans agreement and played seven senior players in their squad and still lost but shows how strong our youngsters are.
The tackle at the end of the half by our young lad was worthy of a straight red
2nd half was pretty poor so many silly fouls under pressure but gills only had 1 shot on target (in stoppage time)
Just a shame cafc didn't show there passing game but they are a rough diamonds and need some polishing
Despite being under the cosh for a large portion of the 2nd half, I cannot remember Phillips having a serious save to make. Thomas and Lennon were superb in central defence, (particularly Lennon) and Gillingham, despite it almost literally being Men against Boys, never looked like scoring from the numerous corners that they had.
Phillips was brave, vocal, and always looking to start quick counter attacks.
The 3 midfielders did struggle a little, being out numbered, and out powered for a lot of the game, but kept at it, and never took a step back under some pretty fierce intimidation, and, if I dare say it, some weak refereeing.
Of the front men, Kennedy's work rate was unbelievable. Despite looking half the size of some of the opposition, never stopped calling for the ball, and playing more defensively in the 2nd half, won more than his fair share of battles. Umerah tired quite badly towards the end, but like others, never took a backward step.
But, special mention must go to KAG. Not only Man of The Match, but player of the tournament. Looked to have more class, and decidedly more pace, than any of his more experienced opponents.
And to put into his contribution into perspective, in the 4 games Charlton have played in this season's tournament, Charlton have scored 13 goals. Ahearne-Grant has scored over half of those, with seven.
And a comment about Gillingham. The attitude of their senior players, in what some have described, as a 'Mickey Mouse tournament' was, in my opinion, appalling. Constantly moaning to the referee in attempts to get one or another Charlton player sent off. (Looking at some of their players, they could have sons the age of some of ours!) At one stage in the second half, I became so angry at their antics, I shouted that if the KSC was that important to them, they could have it.
But our boys were magnificent. Stood up to the intimidation, and gave as good as they got. There was an incident in the first half when Lennon was punished for a (what looked to me) like a strong challenge. The Gills player leapt to his feet and shoved Harry. At which point Harry could have backed down, or lost his rag completely. He did neither, standing his ground, he shoved back...
My respect for these kids, in an intimidating, physical encounter, holds no bounds. This was not a time for the silky, swift passing game that they have employed in previous games in the tournament. This was a time for courageous, "in the trenches", physical football. And the boys were not found wanting.
"Gentlemen", I salute you!