It took just six minutes to ensure that Charlton Athletic were in complete control of the pre-season curtain raiser at Welling United.
Karlan Ahearne-Grant netted twice against the slow starting Wings’ defence, much to the dismay of Welling United manager Loui Fazakerley.
“After the start we had, the way we finished was pretty decent. I’m not saying we are over the moon but it’s something to build on.
“The two goals were definitely avoidable. We’ve spoken to the players involved and we’ve explained where we need to be better.”
After that, the game was pretty even and Welling would have pulled a goal back but for an excellent save by Stephen Henderson from new signing Ricky Wellard.
As is so often the case in summer friendlies, there were multiple substitutions at the break with Charlton changing their entire line-up.
Two Welling trialists combined to create an opening in the second half with George Porter striking the post after excellent work by Afolabi Obafemi.
Former Welling loanee Tobi Sho-Silva then set up Joe Pigott, but the striker who once spent a spell at Bromley pulled his effort wide.
Xavier Vidal tested another ex Wings loanee, Nick Pope, with a dipping volley that had to be tipped over before the Charlton custodian did well to hold onto a splendid Joey Taylor strike.
Fazakerley had the final goal attempt with a drive that rattled Pope’s crossbar.
“I thought the trialists did well, and also the young lads.” added Fazakerley afterwards. “We have got 15 signed players and looking at around 18 contracted players.”
Welling United: McEntegart, Williams, Harris, Osborne, Chambers, Lokko, Corne, Fagan, Kabba. Wellard, Porter.
Substitutes: Smith, Fazakerley, Jefford, Vidal, Taylor, Johnson, Obafemi, Fitchett, Rose.
Charlton Athletic first half: Henderson, Solly, Fox, Cousins, Bauer, Diarra, Charles-Cook, Ba, Watt, Ahearne-Grant, Wiggins.
Second half: Pope, Barnes, Lennon, Obileye, Holmes-Dennis, Sho-Silva, Harriott, Muldoon, Kelly, Kennedy, Pigott.
Referee: Ian Crouch
Assistants: Paul Forrester and Alex Gayman
Fourth Official: Ross Brown
Attendance: 2.100
Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.