Charlton 2 Walsall 1 - Report and pictures

In a match that summed up the Saddlers season so far, overall Dean Keates' side proved more than a match for the promotion-chasing hosts.

But a disastrous opening eight minutes saw them gift the Addicks two goals.

Lee Bowyers's side opened the scoring when Morgan Ferrier gave the ball away in his own half with Karlan Grant then firing in.

Then just moments later, Jack Fitzwater was judged to have pulled Lyle Taylor in the box - with the striker then going onto covert from the penalty spot.

After the poor start though, the Saddlers went on to create a host of decent opportunities.

Josh Gordon saw a volley cleared off the line before Andy Cook pulled a goal back shortly after the interval.

Cook and Gordon then both had chances to pull Walsall level but Charlton held on to claim the points.

Analysis

In naming his starting line-up, boss Keates opted to keep faith with the team that impressed only to be held to a draw by Luton on Saturday.

It meant the Saddlers remained in a midfield diamond formation with George Dobson at the base, Liam Kinsella and Joe Edwards central and Josh Gordon at the tip. Up front, Morgan Ferrier partnered Cook.

Charlton entered the clash with a lengthy injury list but with manager Lee Bowyer still able to name a strong starting line-up.

The Addicks also lined up in a midfield diamond system which included ex-Saddler Krystian Bielik in midfield.

Tayor partnered Grant up front with Tariqe Fosu operating just behind.

Walsall fans travelled to the capital hoping to see their team kick-start the New Year in style.

But a dreadful opening saw them gift Charlton not one - but two - goals in the first eight minutes.

The hosts opened the scoring when, under no pressure in his own half, Ferrier miss-placed a pass to Dobson.

And that allowed Fosu to play in Grant who entered the box before firing through the legs of Liam Roberts and into the net.

It was a gift of a goal. But just moments later, Walsall presented Charlton a second.

Taylor and Roberts both raced to meet a cross from Albie Morgan.

But while the keeper claimed the ball, Jack Fitzwater was judged to have pulled the former Wimbledon striker back with referee Ross Joyce pointing to the spot.

Taylor then made no mistake from 12-yards with the goal the forward's sixth against Walsall is as many games.

Two goals up and full of confidence, Bowyer's side started moving the ball well as they went in search of a third.

Ben Reeves saw a free-kick from the edge of the box sail inches past the post.

Grant then raced past Jon Guthrie and into the box only to see a low strike well blocked by the defender.

The Addicks remained on top as the clock ticked past the half-hour mark.

But Keates' men then sprang to life with the Saddlers creating three decent chances before half-time.

The first saw Cook play in Josh Gordon with Ferrier then finding himself completely unmarked in the box.

But instead of passing to his teammate, the striker hit a low shot at goal which was claimed by the keeper.

Suddenly, it was Walsall who were on top and they came close again when Nicky Devlin charged down the right before sending in an inviting cross.

And that was met by Gordon who side-footed a volley towards goal which Naby Sarr headed off the line.

With some momentum behind them, Gordon and Luke Leahy saw strikes from distance saved by Dillon Phillips before half-time.

But just two minutes after the interval, the Saddlers did pull a goal back.

Leahy's ball into the box was taken down on the chest by Cook who then turned well to work himself some space.

And from 10-yards the striker then arrowed a low drive into the corner and beyond the reach Phillips.

From being two-goals down, there was suddenly a real sense Walsall could get something out the game with Ferrier hitting the byline and sending in a dangerous cross which nobody was on hand to tap home.

Charlton had a goal disallowed on the hour when a corner was delivered right underneath the crossbar.

Taylor nodded in but in doing so clattered into Roberts with the referee awarding a foul on the glovesman.

Walsall again responded with Cook doing wonderfully well to hold the ball up before firing inches past the post from 18-yards.

Undeterred, Keates' men continued to knock on the door and they created another good chance with 20 minutes still to play.

From a short-corner, Leahy sent a clever low ball into the box which got stuck under the feet of Ferrier.

But Cook took control with the striker then seeing a fierce drive well blocked by Bielik.

With 10 minutes still to play, Taylor saw a shot from inside the box parried away by Roberts.

And while Walsall went on to huff and puff in the closing stages they were unable to create a clear chance to get back on terms.

Teams

Charlton: Phillips, Dijksteel, Bielik, Bauer, Fosu (Marshall 86), Reeves (Pratley 83), Grant, Morgan, Sarr, Stevenson, Taylor.

Subs not used: Maynard-Brewer, Sarpong-Wiredu, Clarke, Hackett-Fairchild, Ajose.

Walsall: Roberts, Leahy, Guthrie, Fitzwater, Devlin, Edwards (Morris 73), Dobson, Kinsella, Gordon (Ismail 83), Cook, Ferrier.

Subs not used: Dunn, Johnson, Wilson, Ronan, Bates.