Charlton won for the first time in five games after beating Plymouth 2-0 at the Valley.

It was the perfect start for new caretaker boss Lee Bowyer, who replaced Karl Robinson on Thursday.

The Addicks were well worth their victory as goals from Lewis Page and Michal Zyro downed an in-form Plymouth side.

Here are five things we learned…

The Lee Bowyer effect

Robinson had won just five league games since October. He had to contend with a never-ending injury list coupled with frustrating takeover delays. But that record was just not good enough for a promotion-chasing side.

His departure two days before the Plymouth clash saw Charlton’s wantaway owner Roland Duchatelet appoint Bowyer on a temporary basis with club legend Johnnie Jackson assisting him. The pair are beloved by Charlton fans, but their lack of managerial experience was always going to be questioned.

Bowyer quickly ditched Robinson’s unpopular 4-2-3-1 formation and brought in former out-of-favour duo Zyro and Nicky Ajose, who ended up starring in the win over Plymouth. Supporters got behind Bowyer, who couldn't have wished for a better start.

Play-off hopes are still alive

If Charlton had lost to Plymouth, who were undefeated on the road since November, the gap to sixth place would have stretched to eight points. It was a game the Addicks needed to win.

And Bowyer’s players stepped up when it mattered to deliver their best performance of the season. Barring a superb Ben Amos save at 1-0, they never looked like conceding.

Charlton travel to relegation-threatened Northampton before hosting promotion rivals Rotherham in the next seven days. These two games could define their season.

Lewis Page returns (again) with a bang

Literally. Page’s third-minute thunderbolt set the tone for Charlton’s dominant display. The ex-West Ham left-back has been plagued by injuries over the past year.

Plymouth was only his second start of the season. His initial comeback came against Blackpool earlier this month - and that lasted just 26 minutes following a nasty knock to the head. He suffered a concussion which ruled him out of last Saturday’s draw with Fleetwood. You started to wonder if his luck was ever going to change.

But his performance against Plymouth was sublime, and Bowyer paid tribute to him in his post-match press conference.

Nicky Ajose takes his chance

The striker was sent on loan to Swindon last season and left again to join Bury after telling Robinson he wanted out. The temporary move to the Shakers was disastrous and he returned to Charlton in January. 

Ajose made just four substitute appearances under Robinson before Bowyer handed him his first Addicks start of the season on Saturday. It felt like it was his final chance to impress the Valley faithful after his big money move to SE7 in 2016. He didn't fail this time - he was excellent and looked threatening with strike partner Zyro.

Hopefully from now until the end of the season, Ajose can show his quality on a consistent basis.

Starting places for Josh Magennis and Ezri Konsa are at risk

Both players missed the Plymouth win due to international call-ups. Their replacements Zyro and Anfernee Dijksteel were the two best players on the pitch.

Magennis and Konsa have been regular starters this season, however, it’ll be hard to bring them straight back in for the trip to Northampton.

One thing’s for sure, Bowyer will have a huge selection headache.

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