Diallang Jaiyesimi praised for second-half reaction as his goal takes Charlton through in EFL Cup

Diallang Jaiyesimi’s 57th minute goal sent Charlton Athletic into the third round of the EFL Cup as they won 1-0 at Walsall.

The Addicks have only reached this stage of the competition twice in the last 14 years and will find out their next opponents in tomorrow’s draw.

It was Jaiyesimi first time on the scoresheet since the 2-2 draw at Morecambe in November 2021.

“He reacted really well at the start of the second half,” said Charlton boss Ben Garner. “Because he could’ve played better, he’s got more than that in the first half. He responded and got a wonderful goal.

“Diallang got stronger in the second half and Jake Forster-Caskey got through the 90 minutes, credit to those players for how they have trained and looked after themselves.

“I’m pleased to get through and there were a number of pleasing aspects in there. Tonight was the first 90 minutes for some of the players and a few of the younger lads got opportunities and did really well. Walsall were excellent and made it a really tough game, credit to them.

“Young Lucas Ness had cramp for the last 20 minutes but he has gritted his teeth and got through it, he’ll need to do that sometimes in his career. Our full-backs, Lucas and Richard Chin, were both excellent.”

Asked if he had a preference in the next round, Garner replied: “We’re probably like every League One and League Two club – you want to land as big a draw as possible. We’d love to get a Premier League team, preferably at home, or a London club away.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS