Charlton Athletic U23s defender Lucas Ness spoke to Valley Gold for Academy Notes after the 1-1 draw at home to Swansea City.
The 20-year-old central defender who yesterday joined Hampton & Richmond Borough on a month’s loan has been at the club for almost two years signing from non-league side Metropolitan Police and believes he has developed hugely at the Charlton Academy. He describes himself as a big presence at the back and a good reader of the game which allows him to defend with confidence. Speaking after the draw with Swansea, he told Valley Gold:
“The game started in a scrappy fashion as both teams struggled to get the ball down and play in the opening exchanges. When we did we were able to carve out a half-chance for striker Hady Ghandour from outside the box who was unlucky to see his low shot end up past the wrong side of the post.
“However, the away team were first to go ahead after a controversial offside decision saw their number 9 go through one on one and calmly slot it home against the run of play.
“Not disheartened by this, we came back with a chance of our own when good pressure allowed us to free up Jeremy Santos who found Juan Castillo but he was unlucky not to beat the onrushing Swansea goalkeeper.
“We came out the more lively team in the second half and nearly got ourselves level when a good header from myself and a long-range effort from Charlie Barker tested the Swansea rear-guard.
“Later in the half, Hady Ghandour had another chance but was left unhappy when his powerful effort hit the top of the bar. More chances came our way as we grew more and more frustrated by a resolute Swansea defence but were finally relieved as Juan Castillo ran down the left flank crossing it to Euan Williams who was there to calmly slot it home.
“Overall it was a very frustrating performance as we felt like we deserved more. This result leaves us in 4th place, 5 points behind the play-off positions. Hopefully, we can put this disappointment behind us as we prepare to play in our Premier League Cup game next week against Norwich City.”
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