FA Cup: Walsall 0 Charlton 4: Saddlers' cup exploits come to an end

Nathan Jones’ side ruthlessly dismantled the hosts during an underwhelming Walsall first-half, netting from their first chance and capitalising on a Brandon Comley mistake before sealing the deal with two late goals. 

Walsall’s excellent unbeaten record against League One sides up until the cup clash came to an end, and the Saddlers failed to make it three third round appearances in a row.

Moreover, adding to Walsall’s misery, both Comley and Jamie Jellis exited with injuries inside the first-half.

Mat Sadler named six changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Bromley in League One last Tuesday. Albert Adomah replaced Jamille Matt in attack while defenders David Okagbue and Donervon Daniels both dropped to the bench, replaced by Oisin McEntee and Harry Williams.

After a scrappy 14-minutes, Walsall’s Charlie Lakin was the first to strike at goal, but found the wrong side of the post. 

And, unlike the hosts, Charlton only required one opportunity to grab the lead as Gassan Ahadme met Conor Coventry’s pinpoint cross and headed past Tommy Simkin less than two-minutes later. 

Midfield star so far this season, Jamie Jellis then exited with what appeared to be a calf injury - replaced by Jack Earing - and Charlton were resurgent as Terry Taylor forced Simkin into a strong save with his sweetly struck volley.

Pressure paid off as one became two in the 28th-minute through a gift from Brandon Comley. In a moment to forget, Matty Godden capitalised on Comley’s misplaced pass, rounded Simkin and finished with ease. 

And, adding to the, already, disastrous first-half, an injured Comley then headed down the tunnel and was replaced by Ryan Stirk. 

Nathan Lowe's well-stopped header was as close as Walsall would come to a reply before the break in what was a professional job by Charlton.

Jamille Matt replaced Albert Adomah at half-time and hoped to inspire a comeback like that against Bolton Wanderers in the first round of the competition. Walsall began the second period brightly in a complete contrast to the first-half and Connor Barrett was denied well by Ashley Maynard-Brewer.

The Addicks’ Terry Taylor looked to put the game to bed with another well taken strike, but Simkin was equal to the effort.

However, the Walsall goalkeeper’s poor punched clearance from an 85th-minute free-kick led to Ahadme second Charlton’s third before Tyreece Campbell completed the scoring and sealed Walsall’s fate in additional time. 

Line-ups

Walsall (3-5-2): Simkin, McEntee, Williams, Allen, Gordon, Barrett, Lakin (Hall 69), Jellis (Earing, 18), Comley (Stirk 45) Lowe (Johnson 69), Adomah (Matt 46). 

Unused subs: Hornby, Daniels, Okagbue, Weir.

Charlton (4-3-2-1): Maynard-Brewer, Edwards, Gillesphey, Mitchell, Edwards-Green, Berry (T Campbell 63), Coventry, Taylor, Godden (Small 63), Ahadme (Hylton 88), Anderson (Laqeretabua).

Unused subs: Reid, Potts, Edun, A Campbell, Kanu.

Referee: Ollie Yates

Attendance: 6,161 (862 away).