Dave Artell says James Jones is a player he admires greatly

David Artell has praised the character of James Jones after he stepped up to take the penalty that secured all three points against Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday evening. The visitors felt that the penalty award was soft after Sido Jombati went through the back of George Ray following a corner but after the arguments had died down, Jonah kept his nerve to smash a confident penalty past Jamal Blackman.

It was the Scotland Youth International’s seventh goal of the season and sealed successive home wins for the Railwaymen.

Artell explained that he has not focussed on penalty taking in training but was pleased to see the recently turned 21-year-old step forward and embrace the responsibility.

Artell told crewealex.net: “We haven’t practiced penalties and it was question of who fancied it on the night. It was about having that character, the belief and the courage to take it. Jonah stepped up and it was a good penalty.

“As long as it goes over that white line and its goal, I don’t care how they go in. Next week it could be someone different. I don’t mind as long as they as they not stood there fighting over it.

David added: “James Jones is a young player I admire. Whatever happens to him on the pitch, he never ever hides. He makes mistakes and gives the ball away but seconds later, he is there again wanting the ball again. He never goes hiding and that is a terrific trait to have.”