Nathan Jones delighted with Charlton display in win over play-off chasing Barnsley

Nathan Jones was delighted with his side’s display as Charlton beat League One play-off chasing Barnsley 2-1 at The Valley.

The Addicks broke the deadlock against the run of play 20 minutes in. Karoy Anderson’s charge towards goal was unceremoniously halted just outside the penalty area. May shaped one way but curled the set-piece the other – wrong-footing Tykes keeper Liam Roberts.

Parity was restored from the spot seven minutes later. Kayne Ramsay was adjudged to have handled Adam Phillips’ centre – with the Barnsley midfielder converting from 12 yards out.

But Barnsley were made to pay for squandering a host of chances as May cut inside to re-establish Charlton’s advantage five minutes before the break.

May was inches away from securing his first Addicks hat-trick when he curled on to the crossbar in the second period.

Fabio Jalo thought he has rescued a point for the visitors in added-time but he was flagged offside after firing past Harry Isted.

Charlton missed the opportunity to add gloss to the scoreline when Tykes keeper Liam Roberts atoned for his trip on substitute Tyreece Campbell in the area by saving Chuks Aneke’s penalty.

The result stretched Charlton’s unbeaten run to 11 matches and hauls them on to 50 points – the traditional benchmark for safety from relegation. It was just Barnsley’s second away defeat of the campaign.

Jones said: “Massive three points for us. A really good performance against a side that is a very good side at this level. They’re in the play-off positions, they score goals freely. They have one of the best away records. For us to win the game, we’re delighted.

“We had more opportunities. They will question the offside for the goal, but we should have had a penalty in the first-half for a push in the back. We missed a penalty. All these things even themselves out.

“Up against a top side, give them full respect, we tried to go after them. Press them. They’re a real good footballing side, well-drilled, well-coach. But we probably edged a really good game.

“We were much more at it, much more front-footed. Karoy Anderson came back in and did well. The midfield were good against a midfield four for them so we were overloaded. Alfie took his chances really well. On the counter we were a constant threat. Could have more if we’d been a bit better with the end product. And we missed a penalty in injury-time that would have given us a 3-1 win. Really pleasing. We could do better but really pleased with everyone today.

“I want us to make sure we deny certain stuff (defensively). There was nothing clearcut they had. They had a few (chances) first-half. We had chances first-half. We should have had a penalty but he gave a free-kick when we believe it was a tight call. They believe it was a tight call, the offside.

“We were much more front-footed today than we were against Stevenage. Much more Charlton Athletic than what we were against Stevenage. That’s what we’re worried about.”

The South Londoners were only outside the relegation zone on goal difference after Jones’ first game – a defeat at Reading in February.

But they have now hit the magic 50-point mark with four games to spare – 10 points above the drop zone.

“I never take anything for granted but we’re not looking at that,” added Jones. “We want to keep moving forward.

“First and foremost, it was important to get as many points as we can. When I first came in, we were in a precarious position. We’re in a less precarious position now. Then it’s about laying foundations so we can continue to move the football club forward.”

PHOTOS: PAUL EDWARDS