26th March 2016


Centre-back Alex Lacey says that he was happy that the back four kept another clean sheet despite being disrupted by injuries and international call-ups.


After new loan signing Liam Shephard didn’t receive international clearance in time to play in the 0-0 draw with Carlisle, Jakub Sokolik had to play at an unusual right back position instead of Connor Roberts, who is away with the Welsh under-21 side.

Lacey himself was thrown in the deep end after coming on for injured captain Darren Ward just seventeen minutes into the game, but the Town number 21 settled well into a defence that stayed solid against direct opposition.

“I’m really happy,” said Lacey.

“We always go out to win the game, but with the style of play they have it was always going to be difficult.

“It’s so end-to-end, the endless long balls made it difficult to get momentum and get attacks, but I feel it’s a solid performance from us.”

 

Lacey started the game on the bench, but made sure that he was ready in case he was called into action.

“You can’t sit on the bench and think you’re not going to play,” said the 22-year-old.

“Because if you do come on and you give a bad performance, that is what it comes down to. So I always prepare like I’m going to play, because you’ll end up disappointed if you don’t.”

“It’s never nice when someone goes off injured, but you’re the one who has to take the chances. It’s good to show what I’m about, but it’s unlucky for Wardy to get injured.”

The defender was sent off when the sides met last time in the FA Cup second round replay as the Glovers went out on penalties, and he admitted that he was happy to not have an early bath this time!

“I managed to stay on the pitch this time!” said Lacey, “So it’s good to get another game under my belt.

“It’s important to keep an organised back four and be professional throughout the team.”

Darren Way’s men haven’t conceded at home since the 1-1 draw with Portsmouth last month, and Lacey said that not conceding despite a makeshift defence shows how good the team has been defensively.

“It’s a real achievement,” said the 22 year old.

“It shows that anyone can come in and do a good job. The back four have kept a lot of clean sheets recently so it’s good to keep it going.

“It’s the thing we’re aiming to do as quickly as possible, to be safe. Our recent form has been good, now we have to keep it going.”