Folkestone Town recorded a convincing 2-0 victory over Charlton Athletic’s Under‑21 side in an international club friendly held on 18 July 2026. The match, played at Folkestone’s home ground, served as valuable pre‑season preparation for both teams.

Match Overview

Folkestone, competing in the Isthmian League Premier Division, showed their quality against a young Charlton side, dominating possession and creating the better chances. The home side took the lead in the first half and added a second after the break to seal a deserved win. Charlton’s youngsters struggled to cope with the physicality and organisation of their opponents.

Key Moments

• First goal (29'): Folkestone captain James Corbett fired home from the edge of the box after a short corner routine caught the Charlton defence off guard.
• Second goal (62'): Substitute winger Liam Brooks doubled the lead with a composed finish after a swift counter‑attack, beating the young goalkeeper one‑on‑one.
• Missed chances (75'): Charlton’s best opportunity came when striker Harvey Pritchard headed wide from six yards, summing up their frustrating afternoon.

Tactical Story

Folkestone pressed aggressively from the front, forcing errors in the Charlton backline. Their midfield trio of Corbett, Smith, and Dennis controlled the tempo, while the full‑backs stayed high to provide width. Charlton attempted to play out from the back but were repeatedly caught in possession. The U21s lacked a physical presence up front to hold up the ball and relieve pressure.

Standout Players

James Corbett was influential for Folkestone, scoring the opening goal and leading the press from midfield. On the Charlton side, goalkeeper Finley Howard made several sharp saves to keep the score respectable.

Pre‑Season Significance

For Folkestone, the win builds momentum ahead of the new Isthmian League campaign. Manager Andy Drury will be pleased with his side’s intensity and defensive solidity. For Charlton Athletic’s U21s, the match provided valuable game time for young players developing their senior potential, though they will need to address defensive lapses before the Premier League 2 season begins.