Lee Bowyer says Macauley Bonne put in his best Charlton performance yet as both he and Chuks Aneke get off the mark for the campaign in Swindon win

BY LOUIS MENDEZ

The loss of Lyle Taylor has left a big void in the striking department at Charlton – but goals for both Macauley Bonne and Chuks Aneke during the 3-1 League Cup win at Swindon may indicate that the duo are hoping to step in to fill that gap.

Bonne opened the scoring with a fine chest-and-volley shortly before the interval at the County Ground. The hosts were level soon after the restart but a header from 17-year-old Charlie Barker had the South Londoners back ahead before Aneke powered home a third late on.

The victory puts the South Londoners into the hat for tomorrow’s second-round draw in the cup and perhaps more importantly, has seen two strikers up and running for the campaign.

“I’m really pleased that they’ve both scored today,” said Bowyer.

“It will give them a bit of confidence going into the weekend [at Crewe].

“Macauley Bonne, that was by far the best performance he’s played for us. I’ve criticised Macca in the past but he was outstanding today. A real man’s performance up top on his own and I’m really pleased for him today.

“Macca’s strike was unreal – chest and volley on the run, I can assure you that ain’t easy. A great finish from him, he had no time to think about it.

“For Chuks to come off the bench and make that impact and score was good. Chuks needs minutes.”

PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS