Matchwinner Thierry Small gets his reward for following Charlton manager Jones’ instructions

Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones was delighted that Thierry Small got his reward for attacking the penalty box in tonight’s 1-0 victory at Crawley Town.

The former Southampton and Everton youngster fired past ex-Addicks goalkeeper Joe Wollacott in the 37th minute in West Sussex.

Charlton moved up to fourth in the League One table after the win.

It was Small’s second goal of the campaign.

“We harp on about him so much about getting in the box – TC (Tyreece Campbell) is exactly the same, or was,” said Jones. “Now they are always in the box. Before they would wait outside it – wait for someone to head it out – and hope they can do a little bit. But we want them to score. We don’t care how they score – a header, a back post tap in or whatever it is. We encourage them to do that.

“I spoke to him before and said: ‘Tonight I want you to score – I want you to really drive home what we’re saying to you’. And he did. Fair play, it has won us the game. Everyone has dug in.

“We have had chances. Miles (Leaburn) has had a couple of chances and it was great to see Danny (Hylton) come on and see the game out for us. Him and Godden have the experience to see that we are not panicking.

“I would have taken any win whatsoever tonight because that was the most important thing.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS