Danny Cowley says Aaron Morley’s stunning free kick during Wanderers’ 2-1 win at Charlton reminded him of David Beckham.

Morley opened the scoring after just four minutes, giving Ashley Maynard-Brewer no chance with a pinpoint strike.

The visitors hit back through Albie Morgan early in the second half but Dion Charles secured the three points after Kyle Dempsey had pounced on a defensive error by Ryan Inniss.

Former Portsmouth boss Cowley was a pundit for Sky Sports and was impressed with Morley’s technique for the goal.

He said: “What a fantastic strike. We said in game that it reminded us of David Beckham, just his technique.

“His standing foot is so close to the ball, and the amount of whip he was able to generate to find the top corner. Fantastic.”

Ex-Luton and Swindon striker Sam Parkin added: “It is so deliberate. It is almost like a pass if that makes any sense, and his standing foot so close to the ball when he strikes it. It is an absolutely sublime effort.”

The result sees Wanderers keep the pressure on the sides above them, and Cowley reckons they were good value for the victory.

“A fantastic win for Bolton. I think the best team won,” he explained. “A really good response at the beginning of the second half for Charlton and after they equalised, they had the momentum.

“But a defensive mistake has let Bolton find a second goal and I think they were well worthy over the 90 minutes.”

Parkin added: “I think (Evatt) will be absolutely thrilled with the performance, especially the way they were penned back at the start of the second half.

“Morley was exquisite in the middle of the pitch but Dion Charles, he looked in the mood form the outset. It is no surprise to me that he got the winning goal. (He had) five attempts, the most of any player out there.

“Even at half time - having spurned a few opportunities - he looks like a man in form and ultimately the difference in that second half, although they could have added one or two with Cameron Jerome and Adeboyejo coming on.

“I think a good day all round for Ian Evatt considering they had some new signings getting minutes and responding to a little bit of a setback, which they have done countless times this season. There is a real resilience about that group.”