Charlton match winner Lloyd Jones highlights importance of clean sheet in opening day triumph at Wigan
Most defenders would be happy enough with a victory and clean sheet on the opening day – so popping up with the winning goal at Wigan was a nice bonus for Charlton centre-half Lloyd Jones.
The former Cambridge United man lashed home the only goal of the game nine minutes from time at the Brick Community Stadium to earn the Addicks all three points.
But Jones, 28, admitted that the clean sheet meant more to him than being the man to pop up with the all-important strike.
He explained: “The clean sheet and the win [are the most important things].
“The gaffer said before that he wanted three things and if we did two of them we’d win the game. That was the clean sheet, score first and win the game. We’ve managed to do all three so it’s a really good day.
“It felt amazing [to score]. I shocked myself a little bit, it going in, but what a feeling. To come away from home and win 1-0, it’s the best result in football.
“I had a similar one last week against Portsmouth and I ended up crossing it and thinking why didn’t I shoot. It came to me, and I thought I’ll just try to get the best contact on it and thankfully it went in the goal.
“We haven’t got the easiest start but if we want to be up there, we have to pick up results home and away. We didn’t do that enough away last season but it’s a new team, a new squad and new season. We don’t want to look back, we want to look forward.”
Manager Nathan Jones praised his side’s structure throughout the game as they looked to limit their hosts.
“Since [Nathan Jones has] come in he’s drilled it into us,” explained Lloyd Jones.
“If you do it right, we’re a very hard team to break down. We probably weren’t good enough on the ball today but that will come. The main thing is that if you can keep clean sheets, you’re always going to give yourself your best chance.
“[Wigan] aren’t a bad side, the way they play football. But Josh Edwards at the back post, Alex Mitchell, Macca (Gillesphey), the whole back line defended brilliantly.”
Jones didn’t feature beyond March at the end of last season as he was given time to recuperate from an injury. And his manager has shown his faith in him by awarding him the vice-captaincy for this term.
The defender added: “I’m really pleased. I’m glad he’s putting his faith in me, and I want to pay him back.
“It was a frustrating [end to last season]. I had a talk with the manager and worked really hard in the off season. I’ve come back in the best shape I possibly could.
“Hopefully I can see the benefits coming towards it now. I definitely feel better than I did last season when I came in with no pre-season, put it that way.”
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