Sonny Carey hailed a strong all-round display after the Addicks opened the 2026/27 campaign with a 3-1 victory at Cheltenham Town in the first round of the Carabao Cup, with the midfielder registering a goal and an assist in an impressive attacking performance.
Nathan Jones’ side advanced to the second round thanks to goals from Matty Godden, Carey and Tyreece Campbell, with Carey also setting up Godden’s opener.
Reflecting on the win, Carey said: “I thought it was a great team performance, the cup games are about winning and getting through to the next round. I think apart from a 5-10 minute spell in the second half, I thought it was a really, really good performance. We could have scored more goals but we scored three, we’re in the next round and that’s the main thing.
“People know I like to have a shot and I like to score goals. One thing I wanted to do was bring more assists into my game and it was good to get the assist for Godders and get a goal as well. I thought all three goals were great finishes.
“I think the hardest thing in football is to score. We’ve done a lot of work in pre-season on the final third and being creative, sliding people in, getting shots, getting crosses into the box, it was good that we got three goals today.
“For three of us today to get off the mark it was a great feeling and hopefully we can carry that forward this season.”
The midfielder also paid tribute to the travelling Addicks supporters, who backed the team in numbers at the EV Charger Points Stadium ahead of next Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship opener against Derby County at The Valley.
“I can’t wait,” he said. “It was a long journey and they came in their numbers today, singing their songs. We appreciate every one of them and we can’t wait to see them back at The Valley.”
Carey was also delighted to hear the travelling fans singing his name.
“I have missed it, I had a little smile on my face when they were singing it,” he added. “It’s a good chant, I love it.”
The Addicks now turn their attention to the start of the 2026/27 Sky Bet Championship campaign, which gets underway at The Valley next Saturday against Derby County. Click here to get your tickets now.
Seasonal and matchday hospitality is available now for the 2026/27 season. For more information click here, email hospitality@cafc.co.uk or phone 0208 333 4050. Click here to find out about our special hospitality offer for the opening-day fixture.
