Addicks begin pre-season with a win at Dartford

Dartford 2, Charlton 3

Micah Mbick scored a late winner as Charlton started pre-season preparations for the 2025/26 Championship season with a 3-2 victory over Dartford.

Daniel Kanu and Greg Docherty both scored as Nathan Jones prepared his squad for their customary pre-season training camp in Slovenia tomorrow.

Jones used 12 youth players in the 90-minute game, while new arrivals Reece Burke, Sonny Carey, and Tanto Olaofe also saw action for Charlton.

A number of veteran players were left out, which Nathan Jones revealed after the game was due to some players being further advanced in their pre-season preparation than others.

Henry Rylah and Kaheim Dixon executed a great one-two to slip in behind Dartford’s defence, giving the Addicks an early lead. Kanu met the wing-back’s cross, and while his first attempt was blocked, the ball rebounded to the Charlton striker, who made no mistake from close range, slamming it into the roof of the net.

The home team attempted to hit right back, as Lloyd Jones made a tremendous block to keep namesake Callum Jones out only minutes after Kanu’s opening.

Callum Jones did get his goal, a 10th-minute equaliser after a blocked shot bounced to the Dartford striker, who slid it home. The Addicks believed they should have received a free kick in the buildup to a push on Lloyd Jones.

Rylah then came close to breaking through the Dartford defence, this time thanks to a fantastic Kayne Ramsay through pass that Dixon cleverly left in Rylah’s path. The wing back had time to take a touch, but his shot went wide of the goal.

The Addicks’ lead was restored in the 26th minute as captain Docherty confidently converted from the penalty spot. The home team felt the penalty was severe, as a clearing struck George Whitefield’s arm.

Dartford goalkeeper Jonny Henly did admirably to keep the Addicks out as Charlton poured on the pressure after their second. He made a good save on Tyreece Campbell cutting inside from the left and then blocked Kanu’s close-range shot.

Nine minutes before halftime, the home team equalised for the second time. Macaulay Gillesphey was found to have fouled Eddie Dsane in the penalty area after the Addicks failed to deal with a long ball forward. With Ashley Maynard-Brewer diving to the left, Samir Carruthers delivered a clever chipped spot kick into the middle of the goal.

After an action-packed first half, there were less chances in the second half as Charlton dominated possession.

Alan Mwamba had a shot blocked, Ibrahim Fullah went wide from long range, and Zach Mitchell headed at Henly.

The game appeared to be heading for a draw when Nathan Jones sent on Mbick, who had previously played for the club’s U21s. Four minutes later, the striker scored with his first touch, in the same method as Charlton’s first. Nathan Asiimwe played a one-two with Sonny Carey to go behind Dartford’s defence on the right. Mbick was quickest to Asiimwe’s cross and scored the winning goal.