MICHAEL Appleton wants Charlton to continue taking the EFL Trophy seriously after last night’s 4-2 success over Aston Villa U21s at The Valley.
Unsurprisingly there were several changes from the recent hectic run of League One fixtures and those handed an opportunity to impress certainly made the most of it in the first half as the hosts raced into a 4-0 lead.
Charlie Kirk’s early opener was added to by Miles Leaburn’s penalty on the half hour.
Louie Watson struck six minutes before the break and then Leaburn grabbed his second of the evening in stoppage time.
Villa’s youngsters improved after the interval, missing a penalty before halving the deficit courtesy of Kobei Moore and Todd Alcock.
The win extends Charlton’s unbeaten record under Appleton to six games and the new gaffer now wants to match his previous exploits elsewhere in the much-maligned EFL Trophy.
He told Charlton TV: “I’ve gone really deep in this competition on a few occasions, missing out in the final twice and getting beat on penalties in the semi-final.
“I have shown it a respect over the years and I want the players to do the same. I want the players to treat every competitive game as if they want to win it.
“We want to get through this tie so this is no different.
“When we play that Sutton game, the objective will be to win the game and go through into the knockout stages. If we can do that it just gives players over a period of time a target to work to.
“If the players in the first team are doing really well and they are winning games of football, you know you always have something to work to.”
Appleton was also pleased with the displays of the fringe players who came in against Villa.
“Their attitude towards wanting to do it was the most pleasing thing,” the manager said.
“I’ve had that a lot since I’ve been here with the lads I’ve had to ask to do it in league games.
“That’s why I think this competition is so important because as a group from a morale point of view, from a confidence point of view, from a continuity point of view, I believe if you can stay in this competition as long as you possibly can, it certainly allows and gives you the opportunity to give players minutes.
“A lot of players who played tonight deserve those minutes on the pitch.
“There were certain players who are probably asking questions of me in terms of making sure that they are not lost and not forgotten.
“And when they are relied upon, they are probably trying to prove a point that they can do the business.”
