Charlton Athletic U23s defender Billy French spoke to Valley Gold for Academy Notes after the recent 3-1 win over Queen Park Rangers at Sparrows Lane.
The 20-year-old defender who has been at club for 6 years describes himself as a quick ball playing centre-half and a great 1-versus-1 defender and although having a tough time with injuries over the past two years, he is hoping to be back next month and told Valley Gold:
“We dominated the ball in the first half and had very good spells of possession. This forced bottom placed QPR to sit off in a mid-block for the majority of the first 45 minutes. We took the lead with the opener coming from an own goal. A cross sent in by the in-form Daniel Kanu was diverted into the goal.
“We created many openings throughout the half forcing QPR’s goalkeeper into making some important saves, and we doubled our lead as Daniel Kanu tapped in a deflected shot from Euan Williams giving us an extra advantage.
“We looked comfortable, however not long before half-time QPR scored following a front post flick-on going in at the interval with the score at 2-1.
“The second half was very even and it was a great battle between both sides. QPR added more pressure and had increased spells with the ball. They even had a chance cleared off the line from a corner, thwarted by our captain Aaron Henry.
“The team showed a great display of grit and determination as the second half wasn’t the best performance compared to previous dominating displays. However, we topped it all off and secured the win with a late volleyed goal courtesy of Johl Powell after a passage of good football.
“With this win, we are now in fourth position in the league overtaking Millwall with a game in hand on second placed Bristol City. Our next League game is on Monday 7th February versus Swansea City where we will attempt to keep our recent run of good form going.”
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