Sonny Bradley said that the 90 minutes against West Bromwich Albion will not only help him physically but mentally, as he helped the Hatters claim a point on the road.
Back in the starting line-up for the first time since the draw against Coventry City last month, captain Bradley slotted into a back five alongside Tom Lockyer and Dan Potts who together were able to limit the home side to very few chances.
“I always speak about coming into every game wanting to win,” the defender admitted after the match. “The game plan I think was pretty spot on today and we kept a clean sheet. First 10, 15 minutes were a bit cagey getting to grips with the game. They had a couple of half chances but we never really felt threatened.
“I think the two best chances fell to Dan Potts. First his header gets cleared off the line, then second half from a long throw. He has more time than he thinks and he had a shot and kind of scuffed it. if he gets a clean strike on that, it’s a goal and on a different day this is three points.
"It’s a good point, yes but there is a little bit of frustration there because I think in the final third with a little bit more composure today, we go on to win the game and it’s probably a one-nil away from home, but it wasn’t to be."
Disappointment surrounded the midweek draw with Huddersfield Town after the away side scored from three set pieces, something Bradley and his teammates were keen not to let happen again.
“We had a talking to from Alan Sheehan after the game against Huddersfield. We came into this game with a real focus on defending set pieces. We speak about the first set piece we have to defend, how important it is to get that first contact and we grow into it from there.
“I think we had one in the first half that went to the back stick where we didn’t get the first contact but apart from that we were solid. A lot of the times in this division when you do the basics right, it helps you get the result you want and that was certainly the case today.”
On a personal note, it was a second clean sheet Bradley has been apart of in the Sky Bet Championship this term – useful for both his confidence and fitness.
“Last 10 minutes I was winging it a little bit to be honest! It is one of those when you haven’t played for a while, Championship football is difficult. It is quick, you can see them making a sub and they bring Karlan Grant on who is fit, fresh and he can run. I had to put a shift in but it was good to get through it, not just physically but mentally as well.
“We have a full week now to rest and recover in the next couple of days and then put some more work in next week and get ready for Queens Park Rangers.”
Due to injuries and personal issues, the 31-year-old has not been involved in six league games this season but he paid tribute to manager Nathan Jones for his help and understanding during that time.
“I’ve had a little bit of a difficult time off the pitch which I have kept personal. Obviously the manager knows about it and I’ve missed a lot of training because of it, but again I’m not making any excuses. I went into the Bristol City game fit and I went into the Coventry game fit and I didn’t perform to my own standards. A little injury didn’t help and therefore I didn’t play and I have to accept that.
“All I can do is train harder, be the same captain that I am, the same leader and when I’m asked to perform like I have been today, I put a shift in and help us get the result we want. That is my way of dealing with it and my way of responding.
“When it comes to help off the pitch, he (Nathan Jones) is brilliant. For unfortunate reasons I have to have a little bit of time away from the football club and the manager made it easy for me, comfortable for me and in the last couple of years on a personal note, things have happened in my life that have been difficult and the club has been fantastic with me.
“The manager has been fantastic with me and I can’t thank them enough for that. In my head, my mentality, the way I can repay them is by putting in good performances and I think if I keep doing that, I can help us achieve what we want to do this season.”