Caretaker Manager Johnnie Jackson was pleased with what he saw from his side in a 2-1 win against Aston Villa U21s in the Papa John’s Trophy to progress to the round of 16.
Addicks strike pairing Mason Burstow and Jayden Stockley each netted in the first half as Jackson’s team moved to within three wins of a trip to Wembley.
Speaking to CharltonTV after the game, Jackson said: “I’m really pleased. They are a very good team, they’ve got some very bright, young players and scored a lot of goals in this competition already. I think they scored 11 in their three games to date. We did a little bit of homework on them and knew they posed threats and they certainly did tonight. We stood up against it, caused them a few problems and obviously got the two goals and got the victory. The most important thing is we got through.”
Burstow’s goal was his second of the competition and third of his young professional career that adds up to less than 180 minutes on the pitch.
Jackson was full of praise for the talented 18-year-old: “We know what Mason is about. He’s got himself another goal, he could have had one before that. We’re really pleased with him, he’s developing nicely, he’s a good lad, loves scoring goals, he’s pleased with his night’s work."
Burstow limped off in the 64th minute and Jackson confirmed he was suffering with cramp.
“He got it after 50 minutes at Leyton Orient,” he explained, “and he got it after 60 minutes today, so he’s getting a little better, maybe it will be after 70 minutes in his next one. That can happen with young lads in these type of occasions. We’re asking our front men to press and press and do a lot of running, he’s got great movement, he’s always on the move on that top line, so that obviously took its toll but I rather he goes hard for 50/60/70 minutes, then he can be replaced, rather than trying to coast and get through it. I want him at full throttle, as I want everyone at full throttle and then you can make the changes when you need to.”
The Addicks travel to Gateshead on Friday for the second round of the FA Cup, with the game being shown live on ITV4.
Jackson said: “It’s another big game coming up. There was an opportunity for some tonight and I was pleased with what I saw. It has to be like that in these games when opportunities come your way, it has to be like that every day in training. Friday is another opportunity for people. The games are coming thick and fast during this period, throughout December and throughout January. We have another game in this competition now, so there will be plenty of opportunities to utilise this squad throughout.”
