Charlton’s warm-up campaign ended with a morale boosting win over Premier League Fulham on Saturday afternoon.
Back in January, the Addicks took 7000 fans to Craven Cottage for a third round FA Cup tie. Due to the Olympics, this game had to be played behind-closed-doors on police advice, though Charlton were not totally without support.
Fulham fielded a strong side, started brightly and went ahead after just six minutes. Left-winger, Alex Kacaniklic, slipped past Chris Solly and centred for Damien Duff to put the hosts ahead. Chris Powell reverted to last season’s favoured 4-4-2 formation for this match, with Hollands and Stephens at the heart of the midfield.
The Addicks had to hang on in the opening period but got to the break without further mishap.
The visitors were much improved after the interval and kept the ball far better. It was no surprised when mercurial skipper, Johnnie Jackson, levelled for Charlton after 70 minutes. Yann Kermorgant supplied the pass for Jackson to flick home at the away end of the ground.
Eight minutes later it was Kermorgant who supplied the finish with a half volley following good approach play by Bradley Pritchard. Kermorgant really had the bit between his teeth now and even tried his luck from the halfway line.
It has been a difficult summer to arrange matches but last Saturday’s blip at Gillingham aside, Powell’s side have done all that could be asked of them. A win at the home of Premier League opponents is the perfect boost for the long season ahead.
Charlton: Hamer; Solly, Morrison, Cort (Taylor 65), Wiggins; Pritchard (Wilson 81), Stephens, Hollands (Kerkar 65), Jackson; Kermorgant, Wright-Phillips (Cook 90).
Subs (not used): Sullivan, Evina, Wagstaff, Green, Smith, Hayes.
Goals: Jackson 70, Kermorgant 78.
Fulham: Schwarzer; Riether, Hangeland, Baird, Riise; Duff, Diarra, Dembele (Sidwell 66), Kacaniklic (Rodallega 54); Ruiz (Frei 81), Petric (Briggs 81).
Subs(not used): Stockdale, Kelly, Kasami, Burn, Trotta.
Goal: Duff 6.
Referee: Andre Marriner (West Midlands).