Praise for substitute keeper
MACCLESFIELD Town coach Byron Jenkins heaped praise on goalkeeper Sam Ramsbottom for coming off the bench and keeping a clean sheet on his debut in the 1-0 win at Leyton Orient.
Ramsbottom had to replace an injured Shwan Jalal on 18 minutes, after Jalal received a blow to the head during a challenge with a Leyton Orient player.
Despite the unlikely introduction, Ramsbottom kept his composure throughout the game and was able to help his side earn all three points, much to the delight of Jenkins.
“Sam Ramsbottom made his debut playing in goal and he was great. He’s made some good saves and made a big difference,” he said.
“It is unfortunate to lose Shwan due to a knock to the head but Sam gives us confidence if he’s given the call up and hopefully we can put our strongest team out on the pitch and continue winning.”
Scott Wilson got the only goal of the afternoon, in a game which did not begin until 3:20 after Storm Brian hit London, leading to advertising boards having to be removed after they were deemed dangerous for players and fans.
It was an unexpected delay, but Jenkins insists that his players remained focused throughout and were not distracted by the issues.
“The delay didn’t affect our lads. We prepared the same way we always do and when the game started we were ready,” he said.
“I’m generally pleased with the all-round performance.
“The lads have been working really hard, they’re confident and they got the right result. I’d say they earned the result, they worked from start to finish and there was some great individual performances on show. We got a goal just before half-time when it’s a perfect time to score and we’ve extended our lead at the top of the table.”
While Jenkins was pleased to get the win, he still feels there is some room for improvement in the finishing department.
“The goal came from the first good cross we put in and Scott’s met it, but we also should’ve put the game to bed as we had two chances in the second half through Tyrone Marsh,” he said.
“He did well when he came on and gave us that little bit of energy we needed to kick on at the end. We should have scored more but the lads worked well and deserved the result.”