Lee Bowyer heralds professional Charlton performance as they climb back into the top six with three points on the road at Walsall

Lee Bowyer heralded his Charlton side’s “professional” performance as they won on the road at Walsall.

A sixth-minute penalty from Lyle Taylor had the South Londoners ahead, with defender Krystian Bielik adding a second early in the second-half.

The result sees the Addicks climb back into League One’s top six.

“Very good,” said Bowyer.

“Another professional performance from us. That’s back to where we have been in the past. It’s a tough league. They don’t drop many points at home. I’m really proud of the lads. I’ve just told them that’s what our standards are. On a Tuesday night, tough conditions. The way we fought and battled and especially in the first-half the way we played and moved the ball. It could have been three or four at half-time.

“The second-half was a bit more scrappy, the wind picked up. But I don’t mind that second-half. I’m seeing a different side to my team. That we can do that side of it as well.

“We made four changes,” added the Addicks boss.

“They all stepped in. Darren Pratley in the middle of the park, outstanding. Naby Sarr, left-back. We know he’s uncomfortable out there but he was brilliant. Tariqe Fosu, outstanding. I think that’s the best game he’s played this season. Igor Vetokele looked good as well up until he got injured.

“Our back-four and Jed Steer were outstanding. The two centre-halves won every header. The midfield dominated the game and the front two – they do what they do. It was the perfect team performance I think.”