TIVERTON manager Leigh Robinson was a happy man after his Yellows gained a point from a 0-0 home draw with Harrow in his first Pitching In Southern League Premier Division South match in charge.
Tivvy had the best of the Ladysmead stalemate but just could not find the breakthrough to ice a thoroughly encouraging performance that followed a midweek Bayside Graphics Devon St Luke’s Challenge Cup match at Newton Abbot Spurs.
“I thought it was quite a good day at the office,” said Leigh, after the match. “The lads are slightly frustrated that we haven’t won the game. I thought we bossed most of the game, created all of the chances, and showed the most attacking intent.
“I’m so positive after today. After Tuesday’s game, I was more positive after the game than I was before it – even though we lost, I saw some real good stuff - and today, I am more positive about the team than I was at 3pm.
“I think there’s so much to work with from what we’ve seen today. The lads are fitter than we thought they were – on a real heavy pitch, they kept going to the end.
“It’s a real good confidence-boost for the team.”
New loan signing Zak Baker, the young Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper, was a spectator for swathes of the match, but did what he needed to do to achieve Yellows’ first clean sheet of the season.
Leigh said: “He was great today. Lovely kid, as well. He’s come in and got involved, settled straight away with the boys. His reading of the game was very good; handling was tidy when it had to be; kicking was solid. For a young lad, to come in a get a clean sheet was ideal for his confidence.
“In open play, they didn’t really cause us many problems; we defended quite well. They only really caused us problems from set-pieces when we gave a few needless set-pieces away but, in open play, Zak did not have many saves to make.
“It’s just a little bit frustrating that all the pressure we had and all the chances, we just couldn’t convert, but sometimes, when you come into a team and they are lacking a bit of confidence, especially in front of goal like the boys have been, you need a little bit of luck or something to go for you.
“I’m so positive about what the boys gave us because there is clearly so much to work with.”
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