Welling United 1 Charlton Athletic 0

SIMON WALTON’S own goal a minute after half-time condemned Charlton to a third defeat in Wednesday’s fourth pre-season friendly at Welling.

Though the annual fixture has in the past seen Charlton traditionally send their full, first-team squad, new head coach Iain Dowie selected a side containing only two players - skipper Jonathan Fortune and Marcus Bent - with regular first team experience. The Addicks also included a number of young trialists.

Walton, who impressed in central defence, suffered the misfortune of beating his own goalkeeper, Darren Randolph, in the 46th minute when his back pass caught him off his line.

Walton, signed from Leeds for £500,000 on July 7, went close to making amends in the 51st minute when his free-kick beat Welling goalkeeper Jamie Turner but smacked against the angle of post and bar.

Wings’ central defender Steve Perkins had earlier been denied by the woodwork in the 26th minute when his header from Jamie Day’s free-kick rattled the crossbar.

Though Charlton’s youngsters enjoyed ample possession they sorely lacked a cutting edge up front and Turner enjoyed a comparatively quiet night.

Charlton continue their pre-season preparation on Saturday at home to the New Zealand national side, who watched Wednesday’s match from the stands.

Welling: Turner (Hyde 72), Goodfellow, Guest (Moore 81), C Moore (Vines 66), Perkins, Rowland (Green 52), Boateng, Day, Holmes (Beazant 81), Kedwell (Sam 72), Stadhart (Lovell 72).

Charlton: Randolph; John, Youga, Fortune, Walton; Sam (Carvill 81), Euell (Gislason 64), Farinos, Bolanos, M Bent (Fofana 46), Walker (Diomande 64).

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