Budding young Addick Toby Stevenson is confident that Charlton can see themselves through to the next round of the Emirates FA Cup when they face Mansfield Town in a first-round replay on Tuesday night (7.45pm).
Stevenson bagged Charlton’s equaliser in the original tie and he is hoping to feature again in the replay.
“It was a great feeling, not that many people score in the FA Cup,” said the former Leyton Orient prospect said. “It was great to get that equaliser.”
“It’s a shame we couldn’t go on and win it but hopefully in the replay we’ll put that right”.
It’s been a whirlwind few months for Stevenson, who found himself being offered a contract by Charlton after a successful trial with the U18s team, following his departure from the O’s.
He grabbed his opportunity to showcase his ability by the horns last month when he bagged an incredible debut hat-trick in Charlton’s record 8-0 win over Stevenage in the Checkatrade Trophy.
And Stevenson again showed his prowess in the box on Sunday as he was on hand to poke home Charlton’s leveller in the 1-1 draw at the One Call Stadium.
“It felt more meaningful and important,” explained the full-back when asked to compare his feelings of that goal to that of his treble in the Checkatrade Trophy.
“I was really excited to play in it [the FA Cup] and I enjoyed every minute of it. Obviously, it was a tough game and Mansfield were on top for periods but I really enjoyed the test and to score again was a great feeling.”
The teenager believes that he has become a better player for his first-team experiences to-date.
He said: “I feel like I’ve improved loads since I’ve come in, personally. The speed of which I’m playing at, I’m getting quicker and quicker at I’m just enjoying every minute of it.
“Steve Avory has been really good, Jason [Euell] and all of them [the coaching staff] and obviously the gaffer [Lee Bowyer] for giving me the chance. Every single coach has been brilliant and they’ve helped me and helped the whole team improve.”
Stevenson – who boats an enviable two-in-one goal ratio – smiled when asked if he’d be targeting another goal in his next first-team outing.
“I’ll just take it as it comes,” he said. “Every game you play, you want to score and if a chance comes to you you’ve got to take it.”
Article by Brandon Smith