Charlton Athletic’s striker Joe Piggot put in a red hot performance on a sweltering day at Welling United in the two team’s traditional first pre-season fixture.

Three times in the first 37 minutes he got clear of the Welling defence, and on each occasion he finished convincingly.

In total, 45 players participated as both teams got as many squad members as possible some game time.

Pigott’s first two goals in the seventh and twelfth minutes ensured there would be no upset and the Addicks continued to create the better opportunities in the first period and Callum Harriott twice came close as well.

Welling were hampered by a cut above the eye of last season’s leading scorer, Ross Lafayette, that saw him replaced after just 25 minutes.

Two goals in three minutes towards the end of the first period were a bit harsh on Welling as Piggot completed his treble in the 37^th minute then Yann Kermorgant also got in on the act with a clinical finish.

The second half was much tighter and Welling created some decent opportunities although the first chances fell to the visitors.

Jordan Cook headed over and Michael Smith nodded straight to Wings’ goalkeeper Jamie Turner before Smith again rose to meet a deep Lawrie Wilson cross but was unable to find the target.

Loick Pires, on his first game back for Welling, sent a curler close with David Button beaten.

Malachi Hudson and Kiernan Hughes-Mason then combined to play the ball back to Joe Healy. His delightful chipped ball in was met by Lee Clarke’s back-header that was brilliantly saved by Button.

If that save was brilliant, the next was outstanding as he had no right to get to Hughes-Mason’s fierce low drive.

Healy came even closer when his powerful header from Hudson’s cross cannoned back off the bar.

Fraser Franks, the only player to participate in both halves, was substituted with fifteen minutes remaining before Charlton added a fifth, eight minutes from time.

Blaine Hudson was adjudged to have handled in the penalty area and Danny Green stepped up to bury the spot kick into the bottom corner.

There was still time for Healy to fire over, Hughes-Mason to pull an effort wide, and for Mal Hudson to shoot at Button.

At the other end Smith had a shot cleared off the line by Hafeez Sansui before Danny Hollands clipped the bar with the last chance of the match.

Welling United first half: Mott, Fazakerley, Joe Obersteller, Gallagher, Franks, Bergqvist, Guthrie, Lafayette (Spears 37), Corne, Ouani, Day.

Charlton Athletic first half: Pope, Solly, Morrison, Wood, Fox, Harriott, Jackson, Hughes, Pritchard, Kermorgant, Piggot.

Welling United second half: Turner, Williams, Jack Obersteller, Clarke, Franks (Sansui 75), B. Hudson, Hughes-Mason, Pires, Webb, M. Hudson, Healy.

Charlton Athletic second half: Button, Wilson, Evina, Dervite, Cort, Stephens, Gower, Hollands, Green, Smith, Cook.

Unused Charlton substitutes: Jordan, Azeez, Philips, Osborne, Cousins, Feely.

Attn: 2140

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.