Charlton edged a spirited Gillingham side 1-0 in a pre-season friendly at Priestfield on 23 July 2026, with the League One hosts fielding nine teenagers after eight senior players missed the game through injury.
What happened?
Gillingham’s youngsters stepped up against Championship opponents Charlton, but fell to a narrow defeat after a second-half corner led to a 65th-minute goal. The Gills ended the match with nine teenagers on the pitch, including rookie goalkeeper Lennon MacLorg and 23-year-old Nelson Khumbeni as the oldest members of the team.
Gareth Ainsworth, the Gillingham manager, hailed the youngsters’ courage despite the loss. “I'm really happy with the performance and I think the fans were very right to applaud those youngsters off at the end,” he said. “It's a big moment for them.”
Why it matters for Charlton
Charlton’s Championship status meant they fielded experienced players like Matty Godden and Keenan Gough, but Ainsworth’s side frustrated their visitors for an hour before the changes. “The first 60 worked really well,” Ainsworth added. “I thought we looked very solid.”
The Gills’ pressing style unsettled Charlton at times, with Ainsworth urging his youngsters to “be brave and have a go.” He said: “We had some good chances there.” The hosts conceded shortly after the changes, but rallied to show “plenty of encouraging signs” as the game opened up.
What comes next?
Ainsworth stressed the game was a learning experience for his young squad. “This is what it takes to play in League 2,” he noted. “You're playing as a Championship side in pre-season, so they're probably not at full tilt, but this is what it takes.”
Charlton, sitting 19th in the Championship with 53 points from 46 games and recent form LWLDL, face Cardiff at home on 20 February 2027. The Addicks have scored 44 goals but conceded 58, leaving them 42 points behind league leaders Coventry.
