Robertson: Clean sheets key to promotion for Pool

Clean sheets are the order of the day if Blackpool are to sustain a promotion challenge, insists defender Clark Robertson.
Clark RobertsonClark Robertson
Clark Robertson

The Scot has been part of a Pool defence that has picked up just five clean sheets from 20 League Two games this season but managed to keep Stevenage at bay throughout last weekend’s 2-0 win.

Pool are the division’s third-highest scorers but it is at the back where Robertson believes games will be won or lost.

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He said: “Clean sheets are what we pride ourselves on, not just as a back five but as a whole team.

“We like to play good attacking football on the front foot but the manager has always been banging on about clean sheets because he knows we will score goals.

“It’s just about hanging in there, making sure we don’t give anything away and taking our chances when they come.”

Pool’s recent good form – they have lost only one of their last 11 games in all competitions – has seen them climb back into the play-off zone.

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And Robertson, 23, says it was always just a matter of time before they got back on track. “Because we had so many new boys come in during the summer, it was always going to take time to gel,” he added.

“But the manager has got a settled 11 now and we are clicking together.

“We’ve got a massive squad and it does keep everyone on their toes because you know you’ve got to perform week in, week out when you’re in the team. We’ve certainly got strength in depth.”

The Seasiders welcome fellow promotion hopefuls Luton Town to Bloomfield Road for today’s seventh v fifth clash.

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Robertson says it is an opportunity to extend their impressive run of form at home, where they have won their last five and been beaten only once all season.

The former Aberdeen man said: “We know it’s going to be a tough game. We’ve analysed them and it’s obvious they’ve got good players. But every team has weaknesses, and we’ll be looking to exploit them and play to our strengths to come out on top.

“They’re all big games in this league if you want to get promoted.

“But you need to be winning your home games and our home form has been good.

“We’ve beaten a few teams at home who are high up in the league, so hopefully we can do that again.”