Charlton cruised to a 4-1 victory over Northampton at the Valley.

A Jake Forster-Caskey brace and goals from Josh Magennis and Ricky Holmes lifted the Addicks into the top six.

Here are five things we learned…

The Valley will be a fortress this season

A strong home record is key to winning promotion. In Charlton’s 2011/12 League One triumph, they suffered just two defeats in SE7.

And so far, a hard-fought win against Bristol Rovers with 10 men for most of the game and the ease in which they brushed aside Northampton, Charlton are making the Valley a hard place to come to for travelling teams.

It seemed like the opposition would step up their game when coming to the Valley last term - it’s the biggest stadium in League One. But this season, Charlton are looking very hard to beat at home.

Ben Amos steps up

Despite taking a one-nil lead in just the second minute, Charlton were pegged back for large parts of the first-half.

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Ben Amos | Picture: Benjamin Peters Photography 

Amos made three excellent saves to keep the Addicks in front. The Bolton loanee gifted Plymouth their second goal last weekend, but was faultless in the Northampton win.

He claimed every cross and corner that he came for, which relieved pressure off Charlton’s defence. He was unlucky not to keep a clean sheet with Marc Richards’ header bouncing in off the post, however, this game will give him bags of confidence.

Magennis proves a point - but Charlton still need another striker

Criticised for missing chances in the 2-0 defeat to Plymouth, Magennis showed his worth against Northampton.

He attacked Holmes’ cross to powerfully head home his first goal of the season to remind everyone how dangerous he can be. His all-round performance was fantastic.

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Josh Magennis celebrates his goal | Picture: Benjamin Peters Photography 

But Charlton still need another striker in case Magennis gets injured or suspended. Robinson says he wants to bring one in to rival the Northern Ireland international and Lee Novak.

The feel-good factor is back in SE7

As soon as Northampton pulled a goal back to make it 2-1 in the 79th minute, the Valley erupted with cheers of encouragement for their team.

The fans helped Charlton over the line, before Forster-Caskey’s injury-time strikes ended the contest.

Renditions of “Karl Robinson’s red army” were belted out and Ahmed Kashi took part in the renowned tunnel jump at full-time.

Charlton players and supporters noticed a different atmosphere around the club in the summer, and it’s carried through to the new season - and the positivity will only aid the Addicks’ promotion push.

Lee Bowyer and Johnnie Jackson’s coaching is benefiting Forster-Caskey

Bowyer and Jackson are two midfielders who made their names by scoring goals. Bowyer did it in the Premier League, while Jackson has been a proven goalscorer at Championship and League One level.

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Jake Forster-Caskey and Josh Magennis | Picture: Benjamin Peters Photography 

And when they were appointed to Charlton’s backroom staff earlier this summer, Forster-Caskey must’ve been licking his lips.

The former Brighton man opened his account for the season with two goals yesterday. The first was a well-placed volley, and the second was a lovely finessed finish from 20 yards.

Forster-Caskey said he wants to reach double figures, and has shown signs of doing so in pre-season and at the start of the campaign. He is arriving in the box when Charlton attack and that is largely down to Bowyer and Jackson’s coaching.