Lyle Taylor rightly grabbed the headlines for his hat-trick against Mansfield – the sumptuous chip for his third is a real contender for Goal of the Season.

But there were plenty of other positives in the performance for Lee Bowyer to enthuse about.

Nicky Ajose arrived at The Valley as League One’s leading scorer, but he has struggled to impress in south London‎. But his performance against the Stags was arguably his best for the club.

He set Taylor’s first two goals up, then scored a richly deserved goal of his own in stoppage time.

After dancing around Bobby Olejnik as he raced out of his area, Ajose was coolness personified as he advanced into the box to slot the ball home past a desperate defender.

Ajose had the opportunity to win the original tie, but fluffed his lines when clear through on goal, so he would have been especially pleased with his performance on Tuesday.

He certainly impressed his manager:

‎”He’s done what we’ve asked. He’s making runs in behind, he’s a threat in behind and he’s linking up and he’s fighting and he’s working and he got rewarded. He got rewarded at the end for his hard work today.

“It’s the most I’ve seen him run around and the most I’ve seen him run behind, I’ve just said that to him: ‘Since I’ve been at this club, that is the most I’ve seen you run in behind to try and get you in behind other teams and he’s good at it. I’m pleased for him,” said Bowyer.

‎With Taylor suspended, Ajose will get another chance to impress when Bristol Rovers visit The Valley on Saturday.

He will be in tandem with the rejuvenated Karlan Grant‎ against the Gas.

Rovers exited the Cup on Wednesday evening after conceding two late goals to Barnet at the Memorial Ground.

It could be the ideal time for Charlton to be playing them.

Here are Ajose’s post match thoughts about his performance against Mansfield:

“I’ve not played much football at all this year, which is disappointing, but when I get an opportunity I need to take it. It was disappointing in the original tie when I missed a chance in the second half.

“The only way you can react to that is by doing something in the replay. I’m happy with my performance and happy to have made an impact.

“I know I can score goals and in the first half it wasn’t my turn. I got into the areas and managed to set up Lyle for his two. Obviously, I managed get one in injury time and I’m pleased.”