WESTFIELDS manager Sean Edwards has hailed the performances of star player Craig Jones.

The midfielder has scored 22 goals this season and netted all of his side’s last four goals in the Midland Football League Premier Division.

“Craig has been on a different level,” said Edwards.

“To have a central midfielder score 22 goals with 16 games still to go is phenomenal.

“He is a leader and is desperate to get out of this league.”

Jones rescued a point for Westfields in a 1-1 draw at Sporting Khalsa on Tuesday and was unlucky not to grab a winner when the ball bobbled up as he tried to get on the end of a cross.

Edwards said it was a much better performance from his team following a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Quorn on Saturday.

“In the first half we were exceptional, whereas the second half was a battle. We changed the system and had 10 players out in total.

“But I cannot fault the lads.

“We looked like the team we were at the start of the season and after Saturday’s poor performance, we will take a point.”

Westfields had the better of the first half and saw efforts from Chris Ham go begging.

It looked like the tie was heading for a goalless draw until Khalsa took the lead in the 81st minute.

But Jones rescued a point three minutes from time when he lashed the ball home after Nathan Summers’ shot thumped against the crossbar.

Jones also scored against Quorn, as well as both goals in a 2-2 draw against Shawbury United.

It leaves Westfields 17 points behind leaders Alvechurch with five games in hand. Lye Town, who are second, are nine points clear of Westfields, but have only played one more game.

This Saturday, Westfields have another tricky test at Heanor Town before back-to-back home games against Coventry United and Coventry Sphinx.

“Heanor is a massive game for us, but we will have Richard Greaves, Nathan Hodge and James Febery all back,” added Edwards.

TOP OF THE MFL TABLE

1) Alvechurch P31 69pts

2) Lye Town P27 61pts

3) Coleshill P29 60pts

4) Westfields P26 52pts

5) Sporting K P25 47pts