The past month has been a very welcome one for Crewe's promotion push, with that defeat at Wigan the only loss. Clayton Ince has been a revelation in goal, and he's on track to achieve a record number of clean sheets this season.
Along with Hulsey and Rich Walker, he’s my player of the year so far. He was close to leaving last season, but I'm so glad he's stayed, as Bankole doesn't come close. Saying that, George hasn't let a goal in during the LDV campaign, and has made some stops I think he wouldn't of last season. But would Ince take the big Nigerians place if we were to make it to Cardiff?
I would guess so, as it'd be a big, big game for us, as it would provide financial support, and give the team some much needed confidence at what could be a critical time of year in the league. Would the notoriuosly shaky Bankole crack at the pressure of a cup final? I doubt Ince would. He showed this at Goodison Park last year when he was immense in front of the TV cameras.
When called upon, Ince's saves have been top drawer, and I think we've found the best of him. If we'd played the guy more often last season, then maybe relegation could have been avoided. But I’m not one for dwelling on the past, so I won’t talk about it!
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To me, the best strength in a goalkeeper is making a solid stop after 10 or so minutes of inaction. He demonstrated this on Saturday against Barnsley and has done so on many other occasions. His ability with crosses is something we needed, as George found it impossible to hold onto anything last season, Just think how many goals he's stopped going against us with his aerial presence off set pieces.
I think we have the best goalkeeper in the league - Twelve clean sheets says it all - so lets all give Clayton a much needed rendition of 'Trinidads Number One' at the next home game.