We were treated to another 'Lyle Taylor Day' at The Valley in Charlton's 3-1 win over Stoke City according to Lee Bowyer.

The forward opened the scoring and got an assist as the Addicks swept aside a team touted for promotion before the start of the season.

Bowyer admitted there were question marks over whether Taylor would start the fixture.

Having been the subject of up to eight bids from Championship rivals Brentford on deadline day, the forward’s ‘life-changing’ move never materialised, to the benefit of Bowyer and his Charlton side.

“Earlier in the week I thought if we did keep him I didn’t think his head was right to play.

“But I spoke to Lyle yesterday and if he said he can’t play I would’ve respected that.

“The opportunity in front of him was life changing, so I can understand how it could’ve messed his head up.

“But I spoke to him and he said ‘no, I’m ready, I want to play, I’m here to score goals and win games.

“He gave me everything and we got another ‘Lyle Taylor day.’”

READ:

Charlton 3 Stoke City 1 - Taylor, Aneke and Gallagher clinch points

Bowyer was keen to stress they won’t get carried away by a result which many wouldn’t have predicted.

Despite back to back wins in the opening two fixtures in the second tier for the first time since 1999, the manager won't rest on their laurels.

“It’s early doors in the season but it’s always nice to get points on the board early,” he said.

“We can’t get too ahead of ourselves.

“One game away, one at home, and the perfect start.

“Last week at Blackburn was very good, and needed for the players to realise we deserve to be in this division.

“Today was good for the club in general, the players coming back here, with the fans, building that relationship again

“There were a lot here today who made a lot of noise and they’ll play a massive part this season.”

Despite the perfect start, unlike the jubilant support from the 17 thousand strong that saw Charlton’s forst home game of the season, the Addicks boss kept his feet on the ground and stressed what the priority was for the season.

“We can’t get away from the fact our aim is to stay in the league, but today I can’t fault the players.

“I’ll never fault them win, lose or draw because I know they’ll give me everything.”