Young 'keeper making his mark...
WITH Dean Smith’s men hot on the heels of the play-off pack, Saddlers' shot-stopper, Liam Roberts, is hoping for a promotion push of a different kind this campaign.The 20 year-old goalkeeper is on loan at Evo-Stik Northern Premier, First Division South side, Gresley, who find themselves one place and two points off the play-off spots.
The Moatmen are also enjoying a good run of form of late, having extended their unbeaten run to seven games with a 2-0 win over Stockbridge Park Steels on Tuesday night.
“It’s been a great start for me and we’re doing really well at the minute,” said Roberts. “Before I came in on loan we’d conceded quite a few goals but the lads have grown in confidence during my time here and we’ve started to really pick up.
“We just need to keep it going now and use this momentum as a springboard for the rest of the season.”
Roberts has conceded just two goals in six games since joining the Derbyshire side last month in search of regular football.
“I’m enjoying my time here ultimately because I’m playing games,” he added. “That’s the most important thing for me.
“It gives you more confidence knowing you can go out there and perform on a match day and it’s what you train all week for.
“I was hoping to get more minutes under my belt before I came here and that’s been the case so far.
The commanding keeper is no stranger to non-League football having already enjoyed spells at Rushall Olympic, Rainworth MW and Southport this season.
Now at Gresley, Roberts insists he’s battle hardened and ready for the fight.
“In this league you are always going to get big physical sides and as a goalkeeper you’ve got to expect it," he went on. "You just have to deal with it; it’s challenging but it’s a huge part of my learning curve as a young goalkeeper.
“We believe we can give this season a really good go. We’ve got quite a few games in hand and now we’ve got to make them count.
“The lads have been great with me. They’re a really good group and have made me welcome from the day I walked through the door."