CBF Recruitment Drive

Charlton Athletic U21 1 v Sheffield United U21 2
After Extra Time

Monday 2 May 2016

U21 Professional Development League 2, Play Off Semi Final

Played at The Valley

Twitter @ball_sup

Great day. The stroppy teenager Blades through to their Final. And, two new Beer Destinations. And a superb Double IPA. Evolution (I'm an Atheist) put me on Earth for days like these.

It is being said that the Final will be played at Bramall Lane. Pack it out. People are saying. Really?

But, let there be no misunderstanding. The U21/U18 Carrier Bag Firm (CBF) is proud to be an inclusive organisation. All welcome. Carrier Bag or not. We'll just co-opt you on the night. (No Runners).

Somewhat unusual team selection. Graham Kelly, David Brooks, Louis Reed & Harrison McGahey “dropped down” from the First Team Fringes. No place for Ben Whiteman, who started against Coventry at the weekend. Aaron Ramsdale was on the First Team bench on Saturday. Today, he dropped straight through to the U21 bench.

No place either for Dom C-L. Not sure what's going on there. Jake Wright still has that Jostein Flo thing going on with his wrist/arm. So, he couldn't feature. The rumour is Jamie McDonagh has gone. Cockerline has featured. But, he wasn't here.

So. When the music stopped. Kimarni Smith was nominally up top with Diego. In the first half, he ended up tracking back so much, he was an extra left back at times. That left Diego in a chase everything, lone striker role for much of the game.

No Julian Banton either. So Callum Semple set up alongside drop downer McGahey. Leaving Tel Kennedy’s Knees in Centre Midfield. I counted three good bangs on the head for Tel. Fella was stuck into everything. I'd be happy to hold his coat in any tear up he's involved in.

Anyway. Charlton were very lively in the First Half. The better team. McGahey got himself into a pickle on our right. He tried to let/shepherd the ball out. The Addick nicked it off him. McGahey presumably felt “he had no choice” but to haul him down. They chipped the free kick into The Mixer. A good looping header has put them one up.

United got it more sorted in the second half. David Brooks had been all but anonymous in the First. But, he was part of an increased attacking intent. It was Brooks who was fouled for the Penalty. Which Diego banged in for the equaliser.

Sorry, but I felt Smith was lightweight. United looked more of a threat when Connor Hall replaced him. Hall gave them an outlet. He's not the tallest. But, he puts himself about. His job was to win headers from balls from the keeper/defence. Disrupt their defence & see whether Diego could get on the end of any.

United just looked stronger as the game went on. Diego put us ahead five minutes into injury time. We clung on. Reed played a hustle bustle be involved in everything role. Diego ran everything he's got off. Socks weren't the half of it. Great Shift. Two goals. Tel’s been in the wars. Team effort. Loved it.

Pre match warm up. The White Swan, Charlton Village. Bang on opening at Noon for a 1pm kick off. Can't hang about. Slightly disappointing. They were only half ready. At least half of the cask clips turned round. A glass over the craft keg IPA. To cut slack. I've just caught them on the hop. (A Charlton fan was in before me, Salute). I bet it's a great place in full flow. Fella has hoo haa’ed. Promising more on later. Didn't faze me. I only want One. You've got more than One on. Let's take it from there. We did.

Bexley Brewery, Redhouse on cask at 4.2%.

After match Ice Bath. The Taproom, Major Draper St. in The Royal Arsenal development. The tap for Hopstuff Brewery. Belter, couldn't have been better. The staff were superb. Very welcoming, knowledgeable & helpful. A lot on. Cask & keg. Showcasing their own & guests. I felt in a keg mood.

I am known to L.O.V.E. Unfiltered Pilseners. The grimier the better. This one on keg at 5%, just wasn't dirty enough for me. But, it was certainly lovely. Very Bohemian Pilsener style. Great balance. But, veering towards sweetness.

But, I go head over heels for Double, Triple or Imperial IPAs. Great Hopstuff DIPA on keg at 7.5%. All going on. Lovely swirling bitterness. That one goes out to Tel Kennedy’s Knees.

Some Joy put back in today.

311/650