Full-back on his first start of the season...
BEN PURKISS made his first start of the season at the weekend as he put in an impressive display in our 1-0 FA Cup with Budweiser set-back at Leyton Orient.The 29 year-old worked extremely hard down the right hand side having come in to replace James Chambers.
"I enjoy getting up and down the line," he said. "It was certainly hard work out there as I've not done it for a while, but it was nice to back in the starting line-up.
"I thought that we got some decent balls into the box and created some good chances, especially in the second half. We also hit the woodwork a few times and, to be honest, I don't know how the ball didn't go into the net for us.
"They were always dangerous on the counter, but we held a good line and, on reflection, we are disappointed that we are not still involved in the competition.
"We got caught out for the goal, but other than that, they didn't cause us too many problems at all."
Purkiss has been a regular on the substitutes' bench this term, but has worked hard to be ready to step in when required.
"I've kept plugging away to ensure that I am as ready as I can be," he added. "There is a lot of strength in depth here and it is up to all of us to make sure that we are ready to do a job when required.
"We work hard as a team; obviously nothing can replace the intensity of League One football, but Jon Whitney certainly puts us through our paces and it is extremely beneficial."
The back-line has performed well this season and Purkiss fully understands the need for him to be patient and bide his time.
"We haven't conceded many goals so far and have looked nice and tight defensively," he continued. "Performances on the whole have been good. Yes, there's been the odd game where we've not done ourselves justice, but at the same time there have also been some excellent displays.
"The hope is that we can maintain a high level of performance and this can be reflected in some consistent results."