Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones on impressive 2-0 win over League One’s fancied Bolton Wanderers

Nathan Jones was left savouring Charlton Athletic’s 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers today.

The Addicks have won their opening three league matches for the first time since the 2011-12 campaign when Chris Powell went on to lead his charges to the League One title.

Stockport and Huddersfield are the only other clubs left in the third tier with a 100 per cent record.

Summer signings Greg Docherty and Matty Godden both opened their accounts as Charlton defended impressively against last season’s defeated play-off finalists.

“It was a very good afternoon and against one of the favourites for promotion and they beat Charlton here last season,” said Jones.

“They are a fantastic side that is well-coached, has threats, big budget and top players – to get a win like we did is a massive, massive thing.

“We felt we were worth it. We had the big chances in the game. We have scored two and Chuks (Aneke) had the best chance of the game – a header (over the bar). Apart from that we probably restricted them to shots from outside the box.

“Defensively we were outstanding. We can be a little bit more fluid but a clean sheet and three points at home – I can’t ask for any more.

“It’s one game where we wanted to test ourselves against a side that were favourites two years ago, last year and favourites again. How far have we come? We went there in February and 3-3 – it was really entertaining. We wanted to score three and make sure we didn’t concede.

“You look at some of the things we have tried to put in place and how they scored last season – balls in between full-back and centre-half – and then look at us today, how we defended and also defend our box, it was chalk and cheese.

“We go after teams – we put on a high press – and, to be fair to them, they were brave and bold. But you’ve got to be a good side, a structured side, to play through us.”

Charlton have yet to concede in the league.

“If you keep clean sheets you have got every chance of winning games,” said Jones. “If you keep clean sheets then you don’t lose. If you don’t lose then you have got a hell of a chance to win.”

The Addicks’ first goal on 10 minutes came after Thierry Small intercepted a poor pass by Bolton skipper Ricardo Santos. The left wing-back’s pass was slammed home from the edge of the box by Docherty.

“We go after teams – we put on a high press – and, to be fair to them, they were brave and bold,” said Jones. “But you’ve got to be a good side, a good structured side, to play through us.

“Later on it is more difficult, to press for 90 minutes, with that intensity. But early on we were. We won it high and what a great ball by Thierry and a fine strike.

“I’ll analyse the game. We defended the box fantastically well. Their xG, they didn’t miss any chances. They had shots from outside the box – which is how they play because they pack so many people in and around midfield. It means they are going to have little openings but in terms of defending the box and nullifying the threat was excellent.”

Aneke was involved in Charlton’s winner the previous weekend against Leyton Orient and it was his cross from the right of the penalty area which Godden, snapped up from Coventry City, met with a diving header to seal the outcome.

“We won the ball high again for the second goal,” said Jones. “It is a great ball in and then that’s why we brought Godden here.

“A lot of people questioned: ‘Why did you pay money for a 32 or 33-year-old?’ We do it because we trust it and he is a goalscorer.

“Give him opportunities and he will score. Strikers will win you games and clean sheets will win you a hell of a lot more.

“The start couldn’t be any stronger – three wins and three clean sheets. We were here against what is renowned as the best team in the league (Birmingham in the EFL Cup) and we missed a pen and missed good chances, we got beaten from 30 yards.

“We’re not in a bad place but we’re not getting carried away. Nothing is won in August or September. We have got another tough game next week and we want to finish off well.”

MAIN PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS