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Wilson praises defensive performance against VCD

Wilson praises defensive performance against VCD

Robert Lilley26 Nov 2016 - 00:36
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Boss heaps praise on defensive unit after key point secured at VCD Athletic.....

We competed throughout and there was a real desire
- Keith Wilson - First Team Manager

Manager Keith Wilson was full of praise for his players after they secured a first clean sheet of the season in a battling 0-0 stalemate at VCD Athletic.

Wilson knew his side, 11 points below VCD ahead of kick-off, would need an assured defensive display to return from Kent with points, and that was what he got.
The central defensive duo of Kye Jude and Nikki Beale were excellent in the absence of captain and talisman John Easterford, and Wilson said Rovers could even have won the game in the end as they made it three games without defeat for the first time this term.

“It was an excellent result,” he said. “It was the first clean sheet for us and that was very pleasing as we had to dig in. They piled on the pressure but defensively, to a man, we were excellent and when they got through Matt Belcher was in top form."

“We had two one-on-ones, one of which Rhys Fatt put wide and another Joe Paxman should have scored in the final moments. It would have been a smash-and-grab but VCD didn’t have any chances of that nature."

“All successful sides are based on having a solid defence and we were without John Easterford and also the experience of forward Steve Butterworth as well."

“We competed throughout and there was a real desire.” Wilson praised his players for taking his instructions on board and has also backed striker Rhys Fatt, a recent addition from Essex Senior League side Southend Manor, to be back in the goals before long.

“The team has come on a lot and are taking on board what I am asking them to do and, except for 45 minutes against Romford, they are executing it,” said Wilson.
“I have a defensive headache ahead of Saturday now after the way the two centre-halves played but that is a good thing. Rhys Fatt has admitted the step up is bigger than expected but his work rate and willingness to learn is invaluable. His head didn’t drop and he is more than good enough I am sure of that.”

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