Charlton Athletic Academy defender Kai Garande spoke to Valley Gold for Academy Notes after last Saturday’s U18s 2-1 loss at Bristol City.
The left-back who hails from New Eltham is now in his sixth season having joined at age 13 told Valley Gold:
“Coming into the game against Bristol City away, we were second in the table, level on points with Colchester but behind on goal difference. A win would see us with four wins from four games played.
“In the early stages of the game, Bristol applied pressure aggressively, which resulted in us attempting to find balls in behind their back three in order to turn their back-line and gain some territory.
“In the latter stages of the first half, Bristol took the lead from a wide delivery in which their number 4 had volleyed into the Charlton net.
“In the 60th minute, Mack Reilly won a foul in the wide left area. Jeremy Santos delivered the ball into the box and Richard Chin was able to flick on a header to get us back on level terms (1-1).
“Despite creating numerous openings to win the game, it was Bristol who scored next. In the last ten minutes of the game, Bristol won a corner from the left. It was played short to the Bristol City number 10 who was able to deliver the ball from a better angle. Their number 4 arrived unmarked to convert with his head, 2-1 Bristol.
“We rallied and in the dying minutes created one last opportunity. Ollie Hobden, playing at RB, switched the play to Tyreece Campbell who was able to bring the ball down. He beat one defender, went around the advancing goalkeeper only to see his effort cleared off the line and the final whistle followed.
“We now have a free weekend and will be looking to get back to winning ways with a home game against Sheffield Wednesday a week on Saturday.”
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.