EBBSFLEET United manager Steve Brown praised his players’ performance after their 2-1 pre-season friendly victory over Charlton Athletic at Stonebridge Road on Sunday.
Goals from Billy Bricknell and Joe Howe saw the hosts to victory before Richard Wood grabbed a consolation for a Charlton side which featured the likes of Leon Cort and Lawrie Wilson.
With The Addicks’ season starting next weekend, Brown was happy with the way his side coped against their fitter Championship opponents.
“I thought our discipline and shape was terrific”, he said.
“We scored a couple of good goals and defended very, very well.
“I thought Preston Edwards made two outstanding individual saves, which you’d expect him to do.
“I was impressed with everyone.
“The defence held firm and there were some good blocks in the box.”
Brown added: “The front two defended very well and that’s the start of your defence.
“I had one dropping in on the deep-lying midfielder and everyone stuck to their task today.
“The most pleasing thing for me is the instructions we gave in the first 45 were done to the letter and we got our rewards for it.
“In the second half we were a little tired.
“They were bringing on fresh legs all over the place and are two or three weeks ahead of us and are full-time, while we’re in two nights a week.
“Our league doesn’t start until August 17 whereas theirs is next week, so they need to hit the ground running.
“I’m delighted with how today has gone, as the result will boost the confidence and morale of the football club, but also because of what the players and I got out of it in terms of discipline, shape and understanding.”
Brown also confirmed he still hopes to have another look at Mat Mitchel-King, despite the fact the defender has recently featured on trial for Dartford.
He said: “I’ve asked Mat to come back and have another game for us, so hopefully we’ll see him next weekend.
“There are two players I’ve approached, but that was a long time ago.
“I’m still hopeful I can get those players in, as they’ve not signed any deals elsewhere.
“I’ve got room to manoeuvre, as I can bring another two or three in, but I’m absolutely delighted with what I have at the moment.
“If I can complement this, then I will.
“We can loan players, too, so even if we get into a pickle with injuries, it won’t be the end of the world.”
Brown reserved special thanks to Charlton for agreeing to take part in the friendly.
The former Addicks defender explained: “I’ve got a deep affiliation with Charlton and a great affection for them, I’m very friendly with all of the staff at the club.
“I know them all very well and thanked them at the end for bringing a side over before wishing them well for the coming season.
“It’s a tough season for them, as there’s a real lack of finance and they haven’t really been able to bring many players in.
“They’ve done exceptionally well to get out of League One and stay up but I think it will be an even tougher year this year.
“I wish them all the best and I always look for their results every weekend.”
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