Boss pople pleased with defensive form

Street manager Dave Pople heaped praise on his side's resilientdefence after they kept their fourth consecutive clean sheet in agoalless draw at Bristol Manor Farm on Saturday, writes MervColenutt.

The Cobblers have now not conceded since a 3-0 defeat atBarnstaple Town on January 15 and boss Pople was convinced that astrong backline had helped to impove his side all over the pitch.

"It defies logic really as Bristol Manor Farm were the best sidewe have played this season, yet we took a point off them anddeserved it," said Pople.

"They had the greater share of possession during the game but webattled for 90 minutes and that is now a very pleasing stat, not agoal conceded for four games.

"I have told the lads, tongue in cheek, that if we keep a cleansheet on Saturday I will reward them with a cash sum, but I mayhave to think again on that one.

"We defended really well again at Manor Farm and both TomClifford-Jones and Ben Amghar were outstanding. They gave nothingaway and were solid throughout.

"They are now both playing at their best and that is veryimportant to the team.

"Perhaps in the past I have been naive in the fact I have toldthe lads to continually push forwards in search of goals and it hasleft us open at the back. There are times when you have to hold upyour hand and say, yes I got that wrong."

Cobblers boss Pople was eager to heap praise on his playersfollowing the draw with Bristol Manor Farm as they were more than amatch for one of the toughest sides in the division.

Manor Farm had been in excellent form ahead of the match, withfour victories in their previous five games, but they never lookedlike troubling Street throughout the contest.

"It was strange that Bristol Manor Farm had so much of thepossession, yet we had the better chances. Their keeper was man ofthe match in the paper, so that says a lot about our performance,"said Pople.

"We were so good that they ran out of ideas the longer the gamewent on.

"Harry Lewis did well in midfield - he is learning fast - andLewis Lambert completely snuffed out Kyle Thomas who, more oftenthan not, is a match winner for them.

"We are playing with a lot of local lads now and what impressesme is that they are all reliable. I am happy with them and it has tobe the way to go in the future."

Street now face another tough away game on Saturday, this timeagainst league leaders Larkhall Athletic (3pm).