Mark Tyler spoke of his delight on his return to the team with a clean sheet and secured second round spot against Nuneaton
After watching from the sidelines in recent weeks as Dean Brill took over the gloves, goalkeeper Mark Tyler was delighted at the Town’s resilience to get back to winning ways in the FA Cup at Nuneaton after back-to-back defeats.
Tuesday night's replay was the third meeting between the two sides so far this campaign, but with Nuneaton only registering the one goal in the previous two fixtures, it was another quiet night for Tyler between the sticks in another well dominated performance by Paul Buckle's men.
“It was a quiet night for me because the boys did well,” said the Hatters stopper. “There were a few dodgy moments.
“There was just the one comfortable save and they hit the post but I think we defended a lot better than we did Saturday against Dartford and I'm delighted with a clean sheet.
“All in all I feel we deserve to be in the next round.”
Since the arrival of Dean Brill in the summer it had been a well-contested battle between two experienced goalkeeping icon's which has seen the fight for the keepers jersey on a match day harder to call than any other.
But Tyler insists despite the clash for the gloves it remains a friendly rivalry and they both support each-others’ efforts.
“Me and Brilly are great friends and we'll back each other whoever plays, so there's no problems there,” said Tyler.
“We've got competition for places in every area in the side including the goalkeepers and it keeps us on our toes.
“Lewis Kidd is in the background and he's doing well so it’s all good in the goalkeepers union at the moment.”
Not many clubs in the Blue Square Bet Premier can boast two keepers with vast Football League experience but with this option falling at Buckle's doorstep each week he has to leave one of his reliable stoppers gazing on intently from the touchline. Brill was given his chance in recent weeks and Tyler admits it’s hard for either when not selected.
“Of course it is tough to sit on the bench,” said the 35-year-old. “I want to play every game and so does Brilly, you've just got to be strong mentally knowing you could be coming on in the first minute or the last, so you've got to be ready.
“It is hard but it’s a team game and we've done well so you have to be patient.”