City v Charlton - Match Preview

Testimonial
By Sean Wozencroft
August 1 2003

Tonight sees the first game at Ninian Park since that memorable play-off semi-final victory against Bristol City. Premiership Charlton Athletic put the Bluebirds through their paces tonight for Scott Young's testimonial.

Young has given the club ten years of service and he thoroughly deserves to have this match dedicated to him. Making his debut as a 17-year old, Young has been a good servant and never gives less than 100%. He is sure to get a great reception from the City faithful tonight.

Unfortunately, injury means that the defender will miss the start of our Division One campaign, but he still hopes to get on the field at some stage. "I'm going to play some part," he said. "It'll probably be late on in the game when the game has slowed down a bit.

"I've not done a lot of pre-season work so I'm behind the rest of the lads by a couple of weeks.

"But hopefully the worst is behind me and I can get back to enjoying football again."

City will be hoping to lift their performance against the Addicks after a rather disappointing pre-season so far. The Scandinavia tour saw a win, a defeat and a draw. We then drew a blank at Cambridge and only managed to hammer Cheltenham 5-1 after a very lacklustre first half display. Lennie Lawrence will be hoping for a much improved performance and hopefully a few goals.

Charlton have played five first-team pre-season matches to date, winning against Peterborough and Orient and drawing against Welling United, Colchester and, most recently, Plymouth. Only late strikes by Shaun Bartlett and Jason Euell saved their blushes after an unconvincing display at Home Park. They will start with their strongest available XI tonight.

Peter Thorne and Gary Croft are both ruled out through injury. Andy Campbell and Robert Earnshaw are likely to be the starting strikers. Graham Kavanagh and Gareth Whalley both missed the victory against Cheltenham, but will feature at some stage against Alan Curbishley's men.

Tonight is also a big occasion for midfielder John Robinson, who looks likely to make his City debut against his former club. Oh the irony. He was a cult-hero at Valley Parade and will be out to earn a new set of admirers.

There are rumours that there will be a new striker unveiled on the pitch before kick-off. Lennie Lawrence is keeping tight-lipped, but Nathan Blake and Shaun Goater both fall into the right categories. The mystery target man, who will play second fiddle to Peter Thorne, is said to be close to signing for around £800,000. Fingers crossed.

Turn up at Ninian Park tonight and show Young the support he deserves. Kick off is at 19:45.