TWELVE shut outs in 21 games so far this season - no wonder Leiston keeper Jamie Stannard is referred to as “clean sheet Stannard” by the Victory Road fans.
Mike Bacon
TWELVE shut outs in 21 games so far this season - no wonder Leiston keeper Jamie Stannard is referred to as “clean sheet Stannard” by the Victory Road fans.
And come 5pm on Saturday, if it's 13 clean sheets in 22, there is likely to be a very broad grin on the big Leiston keeper's face, as he looks to keep Fleetwood Town at bay in the first round of the FA Cup.
Six foot, four inch Stannard has yet to finish on a losing side so far this campaign for the Victory Road outfit.
Indeed the only time Leiston have lost this season was 2-1 at Lowestoft, and Stannard was sent off that night after just two minutes (for handling outside the area), with the score goal-less.
It's an unbeaten record he frequently reminds his team-mates.
“I enjoy having a laugh about that,” Stannard said.
“The game at Lowestoft where I was sent off was a poor decision by the referee. But, on the other hand, as I have told the lads, I have yet to experience a defeat this season.
“But seriously, it's proving a very different season to last year for me.
“We have three new defenders in the side (Shane Wardley, David Head and Brett Girling), and quite honestly I have had many games where I've had very little to do.
“In fact concentration is the key for me at the moment.
“I'm going through so much of so many games with little to do, that I need to be on the ball when I am called into action.”
Stannard however knows he is likely to be in for a busy period on Saturday, when a strong Fleetwood Town side from Blue Square North come to Victory Road in the FA Cup first round.
It's a £20,000 prize for the winners and a likely massive second round tie for the victors.
And yet if Fleetwood get a penalty on Saturday, they had better beware.
This season Stannard has faced three and they've all been missed.
“OK, so I haven't actually saved any - two went over the bar and one hit the post. But I reckon I must put them off.”
Stannard knows it will be tough on Saturday, but like everyone at Victory Road, he can't wait.
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