The 31-year-old paid the price for Luton’s poor start to the game as he was substituted during the first half, with Cameron McGeehan introduced in his place.
Lawless showed his anger at the decision by thumping the dug out as he took his seat on the bench and on why he opted made the switch so early, Jones said: “To be honest, I probably could have taken off three or four.
“If I’d had a fantasy football wild card I could have changed a few, because we just didn’t start well and I wasn’t prepared to get hit by a sucker punch early on like has happened here against Crawley and people like that.
“We ask of them, it was harsh on Alex, because a few of them could have and I didn’t want to embarrass the kid or anything, but I needed to make a change.
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“I thought Cameron was excellent when he came on, he provided that spark, that energy and it’s just unfortunate really.”
When asked about Lawless’ reaction, Jones admitted he too would have been angry had he been substituted in such a manner, but is more than happy to show the Welshman his reasoning behind it if necessary.
The boss continued: “I would be frustrated if I was him, but as long as he takes it in the right way.
“If he feels I was wrong to take him off then he can come and see me and I’ll watch the DVD with him as I don’t think I was unjust in taking him off.
“There were many more I could take off as I thought we started poorly, we didn’t press, didn’t get near anyone.
“They had more of the opportunities early on and it was lacklusture performance.”