Charlton Athletic U17s goalkeeper Joe Watkins spoke to Valley Gold for Academy Notes after the recent U18s 2-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace.
Joe who is a first-year goalkeeper told Valley Gold his shot-stopping ability and calmness on the ball is inspired by growing up watching Manuel Neuer and speaking after the disappointing result said:
“We knew we’d be in for a tough game this Saturday against our South London counterparts, Crystal Palace and we haven’t been in as good of form recently.”
“This point was proven early on in the game when we lost possession in midfield which Crystal Palace clinically took advantage of when their striker bundled through a handful of challenges before striking the ball into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area.”
“One-nil down at the break, we changed our formation in the second half, hoping that this tweak along with our energy would get us back into the game. It wasn’t to be, after committing bodies forward and dominating the ball to try and nick a goal our goalkeeper Nathan Harvey was dispossessed after being put under immense pressure in which Palace capitalised on to double their lead.”
“With plenty of time still on the clock, we created chance after chance from corners and free-kicks in which things just weren’t going our way. The game ended 2-0 despite our best efforts, and the result sees us remain in fourth place with Crystal Palace moving to within two points of us. A tough one to take for the team.”
“We’re hoping to bounce back from this rough patch in our next home game against Coventry City next weekend, who we beat 6-0 in a comfortable and exciting display earlier in the season.”
Valley Gold enables supporters to play a pivotal role in the future of Charlton Athletic by helping the club to unearth talented footballers through its youth system. Valley Gold is entirely supporter-funded, with membership costing £120 per year. As a member of Valley Gold, you will also have the opportunity to scoop up to £5,000 in regular cash prizes. To learn more about the scheme or to become a Valley Gold member, please click here.
