MATCH winner Darren Jones is only worried about stopping goals as the Exiles gear up for the new campaign.

The new recruit at Rodney Parade, who is from Newport and enjoyed a previous spell with the club, scored the winner on Saturday as the Exiles beat German visitors Carl Zeiss Jena 1-0.

County are in action again this evening with Coventry City the visitors to Spytty Park and Jones believes County are heading in a positive direction, particularly defensively.

“It was a good workout and it was good to get a win on Saturday,” he told the Argus.

“We’ve had a few good results in pre-season, there are a few new faces and it’s just about slotting in, building and getting ready for two weeks’ time.

“It’s all about fitness at this time of year. Everyone likes to win but it’s about preparing for two weeks. We’re very fit after doing a lot of running since the end of June. We’re doing well.”

Jones believes he’s enjoying a blossoming partnership with young defender Kevin Feely, signed from Charlton Athletic after a successful loan spell.

“The gaffer has chopped and changed it. Kev and me started against Carl Zeiss Jena and I am just hoping we stay together and start against Wycombe on the opening day,” he said.

“It’s a partnership that works well for me because Kev is a very good player who is athletic, good in the air and reads the game well. He’s a great young player.

“And Lenny (Pidgeley) didn’t have a lot to do on Saturday but is very vocal and organises well.

“It was nice to score but the clean sheet was most pleasing. I am not too bothered about scoring as long as we keep a clean sheet because that’s my job and what I am paid for.”

Jones admits he’s looking forward to returning to Rodney Parade, Spytty Park currently County’s temporary pre-season home.

“The surface was a different class today but it would have been a bit better for the atmosphere to have the fans a bit closer,” he said.

“At the end of the day though, it’s a football pitch and you have the same job to do.”