Charlton created history at the Lamex Stadium on Tuesday evening. Their 8-0 demolition of Stevenage – a margin that could have been even greater – was the club’s biggest ever win.
Debutant, Toby Stevenson, grabbed a hat-trick from left wing-back, and the 18-year-old went close with other opportunities.
Despite making nine changes, Lee Bowyer still managed to field a strong side.
Bowyer deployed a 3-5-2 formation. Skipper for the night, Darren Pratley, was flanked by Anfernee Dijksteel and Naby Sarr at the back, with Mark Marshall and Stephenson on the flanks.
Youngsters, George Lapslie and Taylor Maloney, joined Jamie Ward in the centre of midfield, and Nicky Ajose were the striking duo.
There was a healthy contingent of Addicks fans behind the goal. They had to wait until the 26th minute for the first goal, and though their team had the upper hand, there was little sign at this stage that the game would turn into a rout. But two goals in a minute put Charlton in total command.
First Nicky Ajose finished from close range, then teenage tyro, Stevenson, drove home a deep Marshall cross.
Ajose notched his second seven minutes later when he steered in a Vetokele header.
The Addicks fans were behind the goal, and had a birds eye view of the second-half goals.
Vetokele’s first goal of the season had a touch of good fortune about it. Will Appleyard blocked the Angolan’s initial effort, but the ball rebounded off the keeper, then off Vetokele and into the net.
Lapslie and Stevenson added further goals before the hour mark. Vetokele dummied Lapslie’s shot, allowing it to go in via the far post.
Stevenson’s was a peach of an effort from the edge of the box with his right foot.
Stevenson completed his hat-trick after 74 minutes. Ajose was brought down in the box, and after initially shaping up to take the penalty himself, Ajose stepped aside to let Stevenson complete his hat-trick.
The yougster celebrated with a big grin and knee slide in front of the travelling fans.
Ajose teed up Lapslie to complete the scoring three minutes from time.
Pratley controlled procedings and looks capable of doing a job in central defence.Ward showed some classy touches, and will add to the attacking options as the season progresses.
A surreal night that will be long remembered by those lucky enough to witness it. If only following Charlton could always be like this!
Charlton: Phillips; Marshall, Dijskteel, Pratley , Sarr, Stevenson (Reeves 88); Maloney, Ward (Morgan, 60), Lapslie; Vetokele, Ajose.
Substitutes: Steer, Fosu, Aribo.
Goals: Pratley 26, Stevenson 27, 59, 74 (pen), Ajose 34, Vetokele 48, Lapslie 58, 87.
Stevenage: Appleyard: Hunt, McKee, Ball, Sonupe (Smythe, 56), Vancooten, Iontton, Makoma, Georgiou (Ferry, 28), Newton (Reid, h/t), Wilkinson.
Substitutes: Dieng, Wilsin, Seddon, Gouldbourne.
Booked: Hunt 34 (foul).
Referee: Lee Swabey (Plymouth).
Attn: 793.