Jones has ‘mixed feelings’ as Charlton Athletic extend unbeaten League One run to 10 matches

Nathan Jones has given his verdict on Charlton Athletic’s 0-0 draw against Stevenage today.

The stalemate at The Valley extended the Addicks’ unbeaten run in League One to 10 matches with three of them victories.

Charlton struggled to turn their industry into inspiration in front of goal with Tyreeq Bakinson’s flick wide from Thierry Small’s cross in the second half the best of slim pickings offensively.

Stevenage’s top scorer Jamie Reid headed over from close range, the one big chance of a contest that was incredibly scrappy in the opening 45 minutes.

Harry Isted did make a couple of saves from Vaidaine Oliver, one of three changes made by visiting boss Steve Evans at the start of the second period.

Nathan Jones First 11 league games in charge of Charlton Athletic

3 wins
7 draws
1 defeat
16 points

Unbeaten in 10.

Charlton’s best unbeaten run since March – April 2021 under Bowyer, Jackson and Adkins (Also 10 games)
🔴⚪️ #cafc pic.twitter.com/9E164dbiW2

— CAFC Facts & Stats (Stuart Court) (@CafcFacts) April 1, 2024

“Mixed feelings,” said Jones. “We come out with a lot of positives – another clean sheet, another point and another game unbeaten. They gave me everything – they put their heads on the block, when they had to.

“Stevenage have kept 19 clean sheets and I think half of their wins have been 1-0. So it shows how hard they are to beat and, two, what they can do late on in games when they pretty much play land of the giants. They are very aggressive in that way.

“First half we were decent in terms of how we controlled the game and moved the ball but we need to be better, show a bit more quality and bravery. But that will come.

“It’s the first time we have played with three strikers, with a 10, because we wanted to be positive at home. It’s a point. I’m not ecstastic in any way but it’s another step in the right direction.

“Very difficult. They are tough to play against. Steve (Evans) has got them well-organised – they are big, strong and work hard. The manager doesn’t let them get away with anything.

“You have got to pick weaknesses out. We had a gameplan and did it for long periods of the game – but not enough. Then we kind of ran out of a few ideas late on. I’d have liked to make a few more positive changes but we had to make one or two enforced and then because of how they finish games – basically putting everyone in the box – we brought Nessy on instead of someone like a TC or a Kazenga which enabled us to keep that clean sheet.

“I’d have loved to have brought on a winger but I’d have been devastated if they’d nicked it late on from us going to sleep. It’s probably a fair result.”

It was Charlton’s second shutout under Jones, the first coming against league leaders Portsmouth in February.

“If we keep clean sheets there are goals in this team,” said the Welshman. “We very rarely fail to score in a game.

“I’d have loved to have kept a clean sheet at Exeter the other day – they had one or maybe two chances in the game. We should’ve nicked it – we had more possession, shots…everything.

“Disappointed with certain elements of that game but today they gave me everything and they are a tough side to play against. Let’s take the positives out of it, move on and look forward to Saturday.

“It is very aggressive and go to win the ball because they go from goalkeeper to frontman pretty much all the time. It is very difficult for us to set traps to go and win it – be aggressive and nick it. We knew it was a different type of game and Saturday will be different again and we’ll have to be ready for that.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD