Nathan Jones was full of praise for his Charlton side after they battled to a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Wycombe Wanderers in the first leg of the League One play-off semi-final.
While the scoreline may have lacked fireworks, the Addicks’ Welsh boss found plenty to admire in his team’s steely performance at Adams Park.
“It was a really tough game, they came out of the traps and were direct and front-footed,” said Jones, among the rumoured targets for managerless Cardiff City
“They played a front three with pace, tried to play everything forward, so we had to show a resilient side to us today and we did really, really well.”
Wycombe had suffered a humbling 4-0 defeat to Charlton at the same venue just weeks earlier, but there was little danger of a repeat this time as both sides struggled to find their rhythm in a tense, physical encounter.
In a match low on goalmouth action, Charlton’s Will Mannion dealt with a handful of high balls in tricky sunlight, while Wycombe keeper Will Norris was called upon three times to keep out Matt Godden in the second half.
Godden’s late volley and header — both expertly denied by Norris — were the closest either team came to breaking the deadlock, but the Addicks' 24th clean sheet of the season ensured they head back to The Valley with the tie finely balanced.
“It was evenly poised throughout the tie and in all honesty I felt we finished the stronger – that’s really pleasing,” Jones reflected.
“Coming away from home to a side in the play-offs and keeping a clean sheet – that’s really pleasing. The only minor disappointment is that we didn’t nick a goal, sometimes you don’t get everything.”
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The draw means Thursday night’s second leg in south London will be a winner-takes-all clash, with a place at Wembley on the line against either Leyton Orient or Stockport.
For Jones, it’s a scenario he welcomes.
“Half-way through the tie – there was nothing really to separate anyone,” he said.
“It sets us up nicely for a wonderful tie on Thursday.”
