Walsall goalkeeper Owen Evans feels good mental strength has helped him keep three clean sheets in three matches so far this season.
The 25-year-old continued his solid start to the campaign with another assured showing between the sticks on Tuesday night as the Saddlers progressed to the second round of the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 victory over Swindon Town.
Evans insists the run of clean sheets is a team effort but is proud to have played his part in a great start to the campaign.
“There’s a little personal pride in that,” he said
“When you go a couple of goals ahead, it’s that mental strength and mental determination not to get comfortable with the two-goal cushion or a three-goal cushion for example but it’s not just me, it’s everyone involved.
“We’ve come in and hit the ground running defensively and in attack with all the goals we’ve been scoring. I’ve been a small part in that and it’s good to see.
“The gelling period has been quicker than anyone expected and it’s been good to see, made my job easier playing in front of them with the number of blocks and headers that they win and it’s been a joy to watch at times.”
Michael Flynn’s men have scored six goals in two home matches so far this season.
Evans believes the team have shown they are capable of both being solid and also relentless which are traits they speak about in the dressing room on a regular basis.
“We always say before every game to be ruthless and make sure we take our chances,” he commented.
“Saturday (against Newport) was a different kind of win to Hartlepool, it was just as enjoyable because it shows how resilient we can be as a team and if we want to push towards the top end of the table, we have to win comfortably with the 4-0s and the 2-0s and we also have to grind out the 1-0 wins away from home. We’ve almost ticked every box so far so it’s been good.”
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