The Fleetwood Town youngster joined on a season-long loan from Fleetwood Town on Friday, but was left until only hours before kick-off to be officially unveiled to the Shaymen supporters.
Despite being in his new surroundings and team-mates for less than 24 hours, it came as quite a surprise to see him immediately thrown into the side, occupying the left-wing role
Speaking to Shaymen Player after the game, the 21-year old expressed he can be a versatile squad member.
“I can play anywhere across the front, midfield and as an out-and-out striker but today the gaffer wanted me to play out wide today. First half I think I played quite well but became quite sloppy in the second half” Charles admitted.
Whilst it’s fair to say Dion wasn’t so keen in front of the camera, he certainly wasn’t hesitant in displaying his capabilities on the ball from the get-go against Gloucester yesterday. His opening touches saw him immediately look to beat full-back Kieran Thomas with some clever step-overs.
Based on his opening sixty minutes in a Halifax shirt he appeared to don a similar play-style to Matty Kosylo; low centre of gravity, keeping the ball close to his feet with the ability to change direction quickly.
Tom Denton also mentioned in his post-match interview that Charles looked sharp, with a keen eye to get in behind the Gloucester back four.
The two linked up on numerous occasions, with the former AFC Fylde youngster having chances in each half to open his account for the Shaymen- a header which he failed to keep under the cross-bar and a left-footed shot from the edge of the area the stand-out moments in-front of goal.
Focusing on the game itself, Charles was disappointed the Shaymen couldn’t capitalize on the number of chances they created.
“I think we definitely had the better of the chances today and they just hung on. They didn’t cause too many problems and got a goal from a mistake today which is a shame” said Charles.
Zack Kotwica couldn’t believe his luck when Matty Brown played a short back-pass to Sam Johnstone fifteen minutes from time, resulting in the away side receiving a penalty that was dispatched with precision by Joe Hanks into the top corner.
On an afternoon where several of the play-off sides (Kidderminster, Salford and Stockport) all dropping two points whilst Chorley gained none this weekend, yesterday’s defeat came at the wrong time in the campaign.
There was added disappointment too with the injury to Matty Brown, one that appears to have put an end to the defender’s season after such a long process in returning to the squad.
Tuesday night’s fixture with Gainsborough Trinity then has added importance given the club’s demotion to seventh in the National League North. Charles will take part in his first training session with the squad prior to the game, which will give us more of an idea of what the Preston-born forward can do.
Read more posts by Kelly Gilchrist
;
