Lyle Taylor’s day included a winning goal and a contender for miss of the season as Charlton ambled to a 1-0 win over struggling Bradford.

Taylor’s strike inside 20-minutes consolidated Charlton’s play-off credentials whilst Gary Bowyer’s men looked a team relegated leaving the field.

A dazzling first half performance from Lee Bowyer’s side followed by a more laid back approach in the second 45 provided entertaining, if not frustrating viewing on the return to league football after a fortnight’s break.

Lucky Opener?

Despite the Bantams playing some confident football belying their league position they were undone on 17 minutes, and it come with a little fortune.

Ben Purrington's miss-placed pass found its way to Joe Aribo on the edge of the box, who’s through ball was cleverly dummied by Jonny Williams leaving Taylor to sweep past Richard O’Donnell in goal.

With the Bradford back four still arguing over the opener, Vetokele should’ve doubled the lead moments later.

Taylor’s inviting volley-cross was turned goalward by the Angolan but O’Donnell produced a fine save to keep the travelling support interested.

Bradford went close but David Ball’s side-footed effort from Jacob Butterfield’s cross went agonisingly wide with Dillon Phillips rooted to the spot.

Dazzling Run

Taylor nearly added to the party atmosphere inside The Valley but his curling effort from 20-yards out struck the post after a dazzling run from inside his own half.

The apparently 'in-demand' Pat Bauer stopped a certain goal at the other end as he blocked Butterfield’s strike from ten yards after a swift counter before that man Taylor produced a contender for miss of the season.

Miss of the Season?

The Montserrat international blazing over Williams’ cut-back high over the bar from four-yards out when it seemed easier to score.

Charlton came out of the second half a little flat and were given a scare by Ball once more, but the winger’s half-volley struck the wrong side of the woodwork.

A let-off.

Lee Bowyer took Jonny Williams off for Tariqe Fosu on the hour in hope of injecting some much-needed pace into a performance that was in danger of becoming a little flat.

It wasn’t until mid-way through the second half Charlton had any effort of note, but Vetokele failed to find the target from a fierce Anfernee Djiksteel cross along the six-yard box.

Eoin Doyle caused a scare with eight minutes remaining but his effort was brilliantly blocked by Djiksteel who made amends for losing possession allowing the opportunity.

Billy Clarke made a late appearance on his return to a respectful applause from the home crowd but he couldn’t provide a spark to the side now surely looking relegation in the face.