Nathan Jones hails ‘big, big win’ as Charlton Athletic triumph at Cheltenham

Charlton boss Nathan Jones has hailed a “great win for the football club” after his side ran out 3-1 winners in the relegation six-pointer at Cheltenham Town.

The Addicks stretched their unbeaten run to six as goals from Tyreeq Bakinson and Alfie May, against his former side, swung the contest in their favour inside the final five minutes.

Daniel Kanu’s 19^th-minute strike, his 10^th of the campaign, seemed to have set the South Londoners on their way to a comfortable victory. The visitors peppered Luke Southwood’s goal in the first-period but were unable to find a second.

And it looked like they would be made to pay as Liam Sercombe converted from close-range 20 minutes from time.

But the late flurry meant the Addicks have now taken seven points from three consecutive fixtures on the road and have opened up a seven-point gap above Cheltenham who sit inside the relegation zone. Charlton climb to 14^th in the League One table.

Jones said: “It’s a big, big win. If we look at the table now we’re in a far better position with a points tally that is far more healthy. I felt we deserved the win. First-half we were really good. Second-half, not quite as fluent but they were always going to make it really difficult.

“After them pegging us back, most people in the ground would have felt they’re going to go on and really put us under pressure. But it was the opposite. We really went after the goal again. It shows character, it shows quality and I’m really delighted.

“We’re building something. It’s a foundation. We can put in blocks now. Our last six performances have been excellent. I really am pleased on different levels. We’re in a good place, on good form. We’ve got a good squad, a great group to work with. I’m really enjoying working with the group every day. It’s a great win for the football club.

“With the greatest of respect, Charlton have conceded some late goals this season that has cost them points. It shows that we can see out games. Even when we do get a knock, we can come back fighting. It was exactly the same on the weekend [at Northampton].

“Even when we conceded we were the one trying to win the game and we shouldn’t have been in that position anyway. Credit to Harry [Isted], he was excellent today. We’ve bounced back from a very disappointing time on the weekend to have a wonderful win.”

PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS