‘It’s goals that count’ has long been a constant reminder by forwards from all levels of football.
But more so in the modern game, so too is the importance of clean sheets – nilling the opposition has been earning more recognition as the years have passed.
Carlisle United equalled a club record on Saturday in their 1-0 win at Barrow as that shut-out was number 20 of the season.
The previous record was set by Keiren Westwood and Anthony Williams during Paul Simpson’s first spell in charge 17 seasons ago.
The individual record of 19 was set by Dave McKellar in the 1980’s.
Speaking about the latest defensive achievement, manager Paul Simpson said: “You have to try to achieve things like this because any sort of success is built on solid defending.
“I include the goalkeeper, the back players, midfielders putting blocks in, getting out to balls, and forward players pressing from the front. As a group they’ve massively earned those 20 clean sheets.
“Now we’ve got two more definite league games to go and it would be nice if we can get another couple and see this through properly.
“At the start of the season I wanted 18, and we’ve gone past that, so we have done really well.
“It’s not just the keeper Tomas Holy, it’s the whole group, and everybody really dug in and earned the right to add another one to the tally from Saturday’s game.
“We’ve had saves, blocks, bodies on the line, and that’s what you need to get success and results.
“Things like that are as good as goals. They are goal-saving challenges. I think every single one of the lads put a shift in.
“When we’re talking about the tackles and blocks, that’s why I think it’s players who win games. It’s not systems or tactics, it’s desire and effort.
“We had commitment from every player and there are so many positives to take from a performance like that.”
Carlisle entertain Salford City on Saturday and finish off the regular season at Sutton United on May 6.
