Gary Richards hopeful more goals will follow for Mason

Swansea City Under-23s' coach Gary Richards is hopeful Mason Jones-Thomas can chip in with goals on a regular basis after the winger recently got off the mark for the development side.

The 18-year-old, who signed his first professional deal in the summer, scored his first goal for the under-23s before the international break, as he netted the winner in the Premier League Cup clash with Charlton Athletic.

Jones-Thomas arrived from the wing to turn home Ali Al-Hamadi’s cross and give the development side a 2-1 victory – and fourth consecutive win in all competitions.

The winger has continually impressed since making the step-up to the under-23s; causing havoc for opposing full-backs with dangerous runs and inviting crosses from the flanks.

And his maiden strike saw him reap the rewards for persistently joining in with attacks at the far post – something that was very much to the delight of his coach.

“It was pleasing to see him at the back post from the cross,” Richards said.

“We try to ask our wide players to do that. They don’t always get in the right areas but it’s great when they do.

“Like it did with Mason, it does happen for you sometimes and you end up getting the winning goal. There can’t be any better encouragement for our players than that.

“Sometimes, one goal comes and a few more follow. We’ll keep our fingers crossed that that is the case for him.”

The win at Charlton also saw midfielder Cameron Berry break his duck for the under-23s.

The 19-year-old, who has endured endless injury struggles since signing his first pro deal in the summer of 2018, was making his first start since February’s 2-0 win over Wolves.

“It was great to see Cameron back in action,” Richards added.

“He’s been very unlucky with injuries over a lengthy period.

“I was very pleased that he got a start and a goal.”