Jones Joy At Treble Tonic

Jones smile Charlton

Vice-captain Gethin Jones was delighted to make it mission accomplished - for now - as he helped Wanderers complete a quick-fire hat-trick of League One wins.

The Whites signed off ahead of the start of their FA Cup campaign with a superb 2-0 victory at Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

And with nine points taken from a big eight-day spell, Ian Evatt’s men met their immediate target to climb to third place in the table.

“It was a massive week to be honest - especially after (losing to) Carlisle before the international break,” said Jones.

“We had a few days to rest and recover and when we came back our aim for the first three games back was to win all three.

“The gaffer said that since he has been here, and me and Ricco being here, I don’t think we’ve gone a full week where we’ve gone win, win, win – especially with two tough away games like we've had.

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Jones applause Charlton

“That was one of the conversations we had, so we’re made up to come here and get the win and a clean sheet, which is another thing we talked about.

“We said to come here and make a statement and keep a clean sheet against a very dangerous front four like Charlton have would be a big positive for us.”

Wanderers secured a first shut-out in five games with an impressive performance at The Valley, which brought them a fourth away win of the season.

The Whites did enjoy a similarly productive three-game burst under Evatt in their promotion-winning League Two campaign but took the feat up a level by backing up a home win over Northampton with wins at Wycombe and Charlton.

The trio of wins coincided with Jones’ return to the side following a three-match ban. And the defender believes the depth and quality in Wanderers’ squad is key to their current run of success which has brought six wins in seven games ahead of Saturday’s visit of Solihull Moors in round one of the Cup.

“I was devastated when I got sent off and caused the team to sit back against Peterborough in that game,” added Jones of the first red card of his career.

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Wanderers huddle Charlton

“I was very disappointed with myself, but I’ve reacted, worked hard since and I’m made up to be back on the pitch.

“I think it’s the most competitive squad I’ve been involved in. I’ve come back in but Will (Forrester) has been unbelievable. We changed the side at Wycombe and I went back to wing-back and we can change the way we play, home or away, and what the opposition looks like.

“The manager will make his decision on what team he puts out, but everyone plays their part. The subs make an impact and I thought Dan and Jon were unbelievable coming off the bench at Charlton, making it hard for the centre-backs and holding the ball up for us.

“We’re all pushing each other. It’s the same in midfield where Azza has come in on Saturday for Paris and I thought Paris was unbelievable last Tuesday.

“Everyone is fighting for their places and we’re all pushing each other every day in training. That’s what I love about this squad. Every day in training we want to be on the winning team, whether it’s possession, shooting drills, passing drills, games - they all have to be perfect and it’s something we thrive on every day."

Watch Geth’s full post-match interview on Wanderers TV

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