Dean Holden was pleased with how his side dealt with the physical challenge of Dartford on Saturday as Charlton ran out 2-1 winners in their second pre-season game.
Speaking to CharltonTV post-match, the boss said: “We knew we were going to be coming up against a team that’s full of height, full of physicality and really direct. It was very much what you might find in certain games in League One.
"They gave us problems with long throws and direct balls into the box, and we had to keep our head a couple of times with some tasty tackles. There was plenty of learning in there and that’s what you’re looking for at this stage of pre-season. It was a really, really good afternoon for us in terms of what we came up against and how we handled it."
Holden was particularly impressed with the quality of the goals, both of which were scored by academy graduate Nathan Asiimwe.
“I was really pleased in particular with the kind of goals we scored," he said. "You almost want to see that type of goal more so than a 25-yarder from the edge of the box because it was certain things that we’ve been working on."
The Manager provided an update on new signing Alfie May, who didn't feature at Princes Park.
“Alfie has had a couple of weeks with Cheltenham," he explained. "We’ve got an understanding of what he’s been doing, but we still need to get to understand him physically so he’s been with the coaches yesterday and today."
The Addicks travel to Málaga in Spain on Sunday to continue their pre-season preparations.
“They’re going to be up at quarter to seven every morning for a run,” he said. “It’s going to be a physically demanding week again with a good game against Leyton Orient on the Friday. I’m pleased with the first two weeks. Let’s now roll into week three.”
(Article by Jamie Barton)
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