Nathan Jones eyes up big third round tie as Charlton upset bookies’ odds to progress in FA Cup with 4-0 triumph at Walsall

Nathan Jones acclaimed a “thoroughly professional performance” as Charlton swept past League Two Walsall 4-0 in the second round of the FA Cup – despite the outside world predicting an upset.

The Addicks led as Gassan Ahadme latched onto Conor Coventry’s expertly measured centre to head beyond Tommy Simkin from six yards out.

That advantage was doubled before half-hour had been played with Matty Godden pouncing on Brandon Comley’s loose ball back to round Simkin and roll into the gaping goal.

And the South Londoners added a layer of the gloss to the scoreline with two late goals. Ahadme bagged his second from close-range after Walsall failed to deal with a set-piece, before Tyreece Campbell swept home the fourth in added-time.

Some bookies had the Saddlers as the favourites going into the tie, but Charlton soon upset those perceived odds.

Jones said: “Let’s hope someone made a hell of a lot of money! I could see why, they would smell a bit of blood because they’ve beaten Huddersfield, Bolton, Birmingham and Exeter.

“Thoroughly professional performance. These were favourites coming into the game because of their league form and because they were at home. We dealt with that fantastically well. We were excellent first-half. But for a little bit more quality we would have gone in further ahead.

“We scored a great first goal – really pleased for Gassan because that is why we brought him to the club. Pressed them into a mistake (for the second goal) and it looks relatively comfortable. We always know a two-goal lead isn’t, as we found out at Southend.

“We managed to see the first-half out. We came out second-half and knew they’d have their tails up. We knew we had to weather a storm. We weathered that storm, came through it and took the game away from them. I’m delighted It was a very tricky game today and on paper it was even trickier.”

The result means Charlton reach the third round of the competition for the first time in three years with the draw set to be made on Monday evening.

 With the sides from the top two tiers now entering the fray, Jones has his sights set on an exciting draw.

“I don’t want a League One team,” explained the Addicks boss.

“I’d like a bit of romance. We like romance, we like the cup. It would be great to get a big one and have a go at the big ’un. First and foremost, we’ll enjoy tonight. Tomorrow we’ll be back at work because we’ve got to prep for the game on Tuesday. Monday night, when all the prep is done, we can sit down, maybe have a glass of wine and enjoy the draw.”

PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS