REPORT | WEALDSTONE 0-3 CHARLTON ATHLETIC

Wealdstone were defeated by Championship side Charlton Athletic in their third pre-season test.

Two first-half penalties, converted by Issac Olaofe and Daniel Kanu respectively, had the Addicks two goals ahead at the break before Sonny Carey sealed the deal just after half-time.

With pre-season now in full flow, Sam Cox made just two changes to the side that beat MK Dons on Saturday. Max Kreztschmar replacing Anthony Georgiou, who missed out with a slight knock, and summer signing Sak Hassan coming in for Trialist A.

After an impeccable performance against MK Dons previously, goalkeeper Dante Baptiste carried on where he left off, making a brilliant reflex save to deny the visitors, ten minutes in.

Despite his previous heroics, the Stones keeper would give the visitors a chance to go ahead from the spot, bringing down Josh Edwards in the area.

Olaofe stepped up to the plate, smashing his effort centrally into the back of the net to give his side an early lead.

The Stones gathered and looked to get themselves a goal of their own. Hassan came close to levelling, 23 minutes in, but his shot deflected wide and out for a corner.

The resulting corner saw the Stones continue their pressure, with Sean Adarkwa coming close to scoring with a powerful effort which could only find the outstretched leg of a Charlton defender.

Despite the Stones best efforts of an equaliser, it was the visitors that would make the next breakthrough when Daniel Kanu calmly slotted into the top corner from the spot, 34 minutes in.

Fresh out from half-time, Nathan Jones side looked to seal the deal from the off. Just eight minutes into the second period, Carey’s looping header would find its way into the back of the net to put his side three goals ahead.

The Stones ramped up their efforts once more following the third goal with Trialist B going close after a mix up in the Charlton defence.

A professional performance from the visitors saw them come away with the win, giving the Stones another valuable 90 minutes against well drilled opposition.

Next up for the Stones, a quick turnaround and a trip to face St Albans City on Saturday 26th July.

WEALDSTONE XI: Baptiste, Cook (Trialist E 72’), Woodman (Trialist C 62’), Trialist A, Tiensia, Boldewijn (Hutchinson 62’) Kretzschmar (Georgiou 62’), Kadji (Trialist F 72’), Hassan (Mussa 45’), Obiero (Trialist D 72’), Adarkwa (Trialist B 45’).