Charlton cruised into the second round of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win at the County Ground on Saturday.
The Addicks turned in a solid, professional performance and apart from the opening 20 minutes or so, they largely dominated proceedings.
Lee Bowyer’s side are playing a different style of football this campaign, moving the ball forward noticeably quicker than they have previously.
They still play the patient, possession game favoured by Bowyer, but when there is an opportunity, they move the ball forward at pace.
17-year-old Charlie Barker was again imperious alongside Deji Oshilaja at the back. The youngster even managed to get forward and score the second goal.
After a sluggish start Charlton burst into life after 36 minutes. Ben Purrinton played a ball over the top which Bonne took on his chest and volleyed over Matej Kovar to open the scoring.
Swindon levelled midway through the second period when substitute, Jonny Smith, slotted home.
Nine minutes later, Barker restored the visitors’ lead. A deep Jake Forster-Caskey corner was headed back across goal by impressive substitute, Chuks Aneke, for Barker to nod past Kovar and into the far corner.
A minute from time Alfie Doughty broke clear but his shot with his weaker right foot was comfortably saved by Kovar.
But Aneke wrapped the game up in the final minute when he drove in from the right and beat the keeper at his near post with a thunderous shot.
With the ongoing situation behind the scenes, the performance and result will give Bowyer a real fillip going into the first league game at Crewe on Saturday.
Here is what he had to say after the game: ”I think it was a good performances from start to finish. The youngsters out there put in good performances.
“I think we controlled the game for large parts of it. Maybe for the first 10-15 minutes we looked a bit nervy but from then onwards we were in control.
“The players are competing to play in the first league game, so they had to step it up from the other night.
“The other night wasn’t really what we are about, we took our foot off the pedal a little bit, but today was very professional and we finished the game well.
“When we changed to the back three we controlled it even more and then moved the ball really well,” said Bowyer who picked out the goalscorers – Barker, Bonne and Aneke for special praise:
”I’m really pleased for young Charlie to score,I think he was excellent again. As a defender he was good in possession, his defending was excellent and to get the goal I’m really pleased for him.
“And for Chuks to come off the bench and make that impact and score is obviously good.
“On Macauley Bonne, I have to say that is by far the best performance he’s played for us. I just told him that, I’ve criticised Macca in the past but he was outstanding today, outstanding. It was a real man’s performance up top on his own. I’m really pleased for him as well.
“His goal was very good because I can assure you that isn’t easy, chest and a volley, especially on the run. It was a great finish from him. He had no time to think about it, it was just touch and finish.”
Charlton: Amos; Lapslie, Barker, Oshilaja, Purrington; Vennings (Gilbey 60), Pratley, Forster-Caskey; Oztumer (Aneke 71), Bonne (Morgan 86), Doughty.
Subs (not used): Maynard-Brewer, Dempsey, Henry, Davison.
Goals: Bonne 36, Barker 74, Aneke 90.
Booked: Oztumer 23 (timewasting).
Swindon: Kovar: Hunt, Odimayo, Fryers, Iandolo,;Grant, Lyden (J Smith, 50), Doughty, Jaiyesimi,;Payne (Hope 72), T Smith (Pitman 79).
Subs (not used): Matthews, Curran, Caddis, M Smith.
Goal: J Smith 65.
Booked: Doughty 74 (foul), Odimayo 81 (foul)
Referee: Brett Huxtable (Devon).
Attn: Behind Closed Doors.