AFTER all the talk about our defensive frailties, we can now finally reflect on our second clean sheet of the season.

Twenty-three games and over four months after the first one, I think we can all agree that it was fantastic to prevent an opposing side from scoring.

In truth, the clean sheet was probably as much to do with Gloucester’s negative approach to the game and their total lack of any threat up front as it was about us defending well.

However, when clean sheets are as sparse as they have been this season, we’ll overlook the circumstances of how it came about.

In the second half when defending the goal in front of the Tin Shed, it really surprised me how nervous the defenders looked, particular when dealing with set pieces.

Hopefully, the clean sheet can be built on and provide the whole team with some more confidence of their defensive abilities.

In terms of going in the other direction, I thought Saturday’s game really highlighted the issues that the pitch will present between now and the end of the season.

I’m not too sure if some thought the pitch would be better but the simple fact is we are playing football on the pitch of a regional league rugby club. The pitch would never be compatible for both sports but here we are and we’re just going to have to get on with it.

To be frankly honest, I actually think our main ball players such as Phil Turnbull and Josh Gillies have done pretty well despite the poor pitch.

Meanwhile, it was great to see Nathan Cartman get the goal his general play in recent games has deserved.

While our Yorkshire terrier is more renowned for being a goal poacher, I think he brings so much more to the team than just goals.

His hold up play and exchanges with teammates is of a high quality, as displayed in the build-up to Turnbull’s blockbuster first goal for the club. I get that Martin Gray looks at his strikers and expects more goals – Cartman could certainly do with adding to his four goals this season – but he offers so much to the team’s overall play.

I wonder if Cartman’s omission in favour of on-loan Derby County forward Lewis Walker provided further motivation for his excellent performance.

The young son of Des Walker looked well out of his depth. It’s a huge step up from playing under-18s academy football with the odd outing in the under-23s.

I could understand it if he hit the ground running and imposed himself on the game, but sadly he didn’t.

He may come good, but at the moment it feels like this is a really good move for him but not very beneficial for us. I’ll be amazed if he is selected ahead of Cartman on Saturday when we head to Stockport County.

Just behind us in the league and in good form, Stockport will test our resolve. In particular, winger Danny Lloyd will provide our defence with a thorough examination.

A purveyor of ridiculous goals along the same lines of Stephen Thompson, he drifts in from out wide and then shoots on sight. If we give this lad just a couple of yards of free space, he’ll have no qualms about lashing the ball past Peter Jameson.

His movement will require good communication between our defenders and midfielders to ensure someone has him covered at all times.

If they can manage that and keep him quiet, there’s a pretty decent chance we’ll get a positive result – and maybe even another clean sheet.