Welling United boss Mark Goldberg insists the pre-season friendly to Charlton was a useful exercise.

League One side Charlton took an early lead through El-Hadji Ba, but the Wings equalised shortly after the break when Ollie Sprague converted from the spot.

Charlton fielded an improved XI in the second half and the gulf in class showed as Nicky Ajose bagged a hat-trick to seal a 4-1 win.

Goldberg said: “It was a good exercise for us and hopefully for Charlton.

“It was difficult because I could only give the core squad 60 minutes. Up until that point I thought we competed well and were defensively solid.

“I had to bring on some triallists and younger players so it became very difficult to contain Charlton who were able to bring on some very good players at half-time.

“But we got what we wanted out of the game in terms of minutes and experience.”

Goldberg gave several summer signings and triallists a run-out at Park View Road and the boss was impressed by all of his new players.

“Ollie [Sprague] was very good but all of the new guys showed some good signs. I was delighted with all of the players I’ve brought in actually.

“The shape of the team was good for the first 60 minutes and everything I asked of them worked.

“I thought they looked like a good unit and that’s so important at this stage. It wasn’t about the result.”

The game was temporarily stopped during the first half as two smoke bombs were thrown on to the pitch.

When asked about the incidents, Goldberg added: “I wasn’t fussed by that. I didn’t even really notice to be honest. People have their reasons but it didn’t affect us in any way.”

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