Jones: No let-up

BATTLING: Mike Jones (right) launches into a tackle for Athletic against Preston.

LAST weekend’s match-winning hero Mike Jones believes Athletic are in great shape after firing themselves to the brink of the Sky Bet League One play-off places.

On Saturday, Midfield dynamo Jones crashed home the winner from outside the box against a determined Walsall side - a result that lifted Athletic to eighth in the table, only goal difference-shy of this weekend’s opponents Chesterfield, who are sixth.

Lee Johnson’s side is now unbeaten in 10 games and is looking good for a potential play-off tilt, but Jones feels they should already be in that top six.

Jones (27) said: “Saturday could have gone either way to be honest, so it was great to get the three points. It cemented our position in the top half and that’s what everyone has been striving for.

“There have been a number of games we’ve drawn that we should really have won, but we’re getting up there now and confidence is really high in the camp, as you’d expect.”

A summer free transfer capture from Crawley Town, Birkenhead-born Jones was delighted to have finally got off the mark for Athletic in his 14th appearance of the season.

“I was made up to get my first goal,” added Jones. “It took a bit of a deflection, but I will take that. Much more importantly it was about the team getting the three points. Saturday’s result kept our run going, and it’s been unbelievable, to be honest.”

Jones is expecting a cracker between two in-form teams at the Proact Stadium on Saturday.

The Spireites lost 3-2 at runaway leaders Bristol City on Saturday, but have enjoyed a terrific start under the guidance of boss Paul Cook.

Jones said: “It could be a great game because they’re flying as well as us, and two sides who are high on confidence are going to meet.

“Hopefully we’ll go there and get the three points.”