Four takeaways from Charlton’s FA Cup win over Coalville Town: Not all plain sailing despite the 4-1 scoreline

Charlton progressed to the second round of the FA Cup with a 4-1 win over non-league Coalville Town. Here’s Louis Mendez’s four takeaways from the clash.

MAINLY SMOOTH WITH A SLIGHT BUMP ALONG THE WAY

A dominant display ultimately secured progression into round two for the Addicks – but there was a bit of a scare at the start of the second-half.

Goals from Jack Payne and Jayden Stockley had the South Londoners in command at the break. But the Ravens’ top scorer Ashley Chambers halved the deficit with a deft chip over Joe Wollacott early in the second-period and the Addicks had to endure an uncomfortable 15 minutes or so before regaining control.

Charlton did largely control the contest, enjoying 76% of the ball firing off 30 shots in total. Payne’s second and a late strike from super-sub Chuks Aneke safeguarded the Addicks’ place in the hat for Monday’s draw.

FEEL THE PAYNE

It’s always enjoyable when the smallest player on the pitch scores a header but Payne’s overall display was enjoyable – and capped off with two terrifically taken goals. Tyreece Campbell’s cross for the opener was a peach but Payne still did well to place his header into the corner of the net. His close touch and arrowed finish for his second and Charlton’s third was even more impressive.

The former Swindon man has five goals and six assists in all competitions now and is perhaps unlucky to have made just three league starts since arriving in SE7, whilst coming on as a sub 12 times.

The 5ft 5 midfielder is unfortunate that he is at his best in the wide positions where Charlton are well-stocked. Corey Blackett-Taylor and Jes Rak-Sakyi have been two of the top performers this season. But I think Payne’s impact has gone unfairly unnoticed.

LAVELLE/DEFENSIVE INJURY CONCERNS

Whilst the Addicks may boast some depth going forward, they have suffered another setback in defence after Terell Thomas limped out of the cup tie.

He was picked up as a free agent after the summer window closed as Ben Garner was short of defensive options but now joins Eoghan O’Connell in the treatment room.

Whilst Garner mulls over recalling the likes of Deji Elerewe or Lucas Ness from their National League loans – he’ll also be concerned by the lack of confidence Sam Lavelle seems to be suffering from at the moment.

The former Morecambe man hasn’t started a league game since the start of October and has never really looked comfortable for long spells in a Charlton shirt. His error gifted Chambers the chance to halve the deficit over the weekend. Garner may be forced to rely upon the 26-year-old for the next few weeks as injuries take hold. He’ll know that Lavelle must dig deep to rediscover the form that saw him awarded the captaincy for the Shrimps.

JAKE EGGLETON AND COALVILLE

Even if there wasn’t the shock that the football world outside of SE7 would have like to see, there was still a sprinkling of FA Cup magic in the air.

Charlton supporting Coalville defender Jake Eggleton saw a dream come true as he ran out at The Valley for the first time. He nearly capped it off with a goal right at the end but was denied as his header was bundled clear.

Coalville brought over 1,600 supporters to South London for just the second time they’ve made it into round one in their history. A special day for the non-leaguers.

PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS