Under-23s search for first win continues at Charlton
The under-23s are in action this afternoon against Charlton Athletic and it’s a fifth game of the season for Steve Stone’s squad who are still looking for a first victory of the 2019/20 season.
Charlton, however, were the last team to beat us in the league. That was back in April last year in the final game of the season; they beat us 3-0 that afternoon and brought to an end our hopes of a top two finish and a place in the play-offs.
It brought a disappointing end to last season after a drop in form after Christmas, winning five and losing six of eleven games. There were no draws in there but that’s not the case this season. Not only are we still looking for our first win, but we also remain unbeaten with all four games to date having ended in draws.
Charlton also kicked off the season with two draws. The first of them was a 1-1 draw at home against Sheffield Wednesday which they followed up with a 2-2 draw at Birmingham. Last week they broke their duck with a 4-3 win at Sheffield United. With five points from three games, Charlton are currently fourth in the south group while our four points currently see us in seventh place in the north.
This is our third season in the Professional Development League which sees us play the teams in the south just once per season and for the third consecutive season this is an away fixture. Last season’s 3-0 defeat has already been referred to but in 2017/18 we won the game 1-0 at their training ground. The game saw Tom Heaton make his first appearance following his shoulder injury and the Burnley goal was credited to midfielder Rahis Nabi whose corner was deflected into the net.
Today’s game has a new venue. Scheduled for The Valley, it was changed last week and will now be played at Dartford’s Princes Park. Any Burnley supporters in the area will be able to attend. Admission is £3 adults and £1 juniors on the door.
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