REPORT: Welling United 0 Charlton Athletic 1

By Rob Virtue on July 10, 2008 9:48 AM |

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LUKE Varney’s classy first-half finish proved the difference in a rain-drenched match at Welling United last night.

But although the match was billed as the Charlton first team, manager Alan Pardew’s team selection gave little insight as into his preferred line-up for this year.

With Andy Gray, Chris Iwelumo, Marcus Bent and Darren Ambrose all out injured, Zheng Zhi in China and Madjid Bougherra and Svetoslav Todorov rested, it was a makeshift Addicks team on display at Park View Road.

The game started slowly and it was not until 25 minutes that Varney got his goal, backheeling the ball past Welling keeper Michael Jordon after classy build-up play by youngster Rashid Yussuf and Stuart Fleetwood.

Apart from the tricky wing play of Yussuf and Lloyd Sam there was little ton inspire the 2,000 odd fans who had braved the rain.

Lee Blackburn for Welling and Matt Holland for Charlton both saw shots sail over.

The second half began in similar fashion, and on 63 minutes Pardew brought on Jonjo Shelvey, Scott Wagstaff, Chris Dickson and John Fortune.

It was the striker still on the pitch, Fleetwood who had the best chances.

First firing straight at substitute goalkeeper Jamie Turner when clean through. Minutes later Fleetwood was in again but his shot flew wide.

Shelvey had the next good chance but fired over. Charlton’s pressure could not tell and the Addicks had to settle for a 1-0 win.