Baldwin pleased as Grecians rack up their eighth clean-sheet of 2013
Exeter City defender Pat Baldwin says he was delighted for team-mate Artur Krysiak after a clean-sheet was secured in last Saturday's goalless draw at Fleetwood Town.
The Polish shot-stopper gifted Bristol Rovers their opening goal last Wednesday, when he let Oliver Norburn's long-range shot slip through his fingers and squirm between his legs. But he responded magnificently at Highbury Stadium at the weekend to keep the expensively assembled Cod Army at bay, and he contributed to the Grecians' eighth clean-sheet since January 1.
"We were able to put the disappointment behind us straight away and we responded really well and got a clean-sheet which we can take into the game against Gillingham," said Baldwin, who is likely to line up against the npower League Two leaders at St James' Park tonight.
"I was pleased for Artur. He has been magnificent for us recently and to make a mistake like he did was out of character for him, so I was really pleased for him that we got the clean-sheet. It's nice.
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"These things [the Rovers goal] happen in football. It was a big mistake, but, when you look at the game before that, he kept us in the game with a point-blank save. He is a young lad still and a lot of people forget that he is young and still learning his trade. Goalkeepers will always make mistakes, but I thought he responded really well to help us keep a clean-sheet."
Baldwin, Krysiak and the rest of the Grecians' side will have to be at their best tonight as they attempt to repel a Gillingham side who are on top of League Two and have won 11 times away from home already this season.
However, Exeter can take great confidence from the fact that they won their last two games on home soil and emerged as victors back in November when the two sides clashed at Priestfield.
"It's a huge game and our home performances have been good in recent weeks," Baldwin said. "We are hoping to take that into Tuesday's game, but we are under no illusions. It will be very difficult, but why not? We can beat any team in the league on our day and we are looking forward to it.
"It is such a crucial stage of the season, but we are looking forward to the game and to trying to stay with the top three. We are just taking it each game at a time, we aren't too bothered about league tables. It is all about the three points and we will try and do our best to get them again.
"It was a huge win up there at the end of a difficult period. That game stands out and we really cracked on after that, it was a huge win for us at the time," added Baldwin, who has been a virtual ever-present for the Grecians this season and has missed only three League games.
The former Colchester United and Southend United player has formed a formidable partnership alongside captain Danny Coles at the heart of the Grecians' defence and is enjoying being in the midst of a promotion battle.
"I am feeling fit and it is the first season in a while where I have played week in, week out, without injuries," he said.
"It has been pleasing on a personal level, but I would rather we got three points and got promoted.
"It's a very professional club with a great coaching department and a manager who does things properly. It is a great club to be involved with. We are all reaping the benefits from that.
"You can only find form when you are playing regularly and – touch wood – I have been lucky enough to avoid injuries and I am enjoying my football."
Exeter City (from): Krysiak, Evans; Tully, Woodman, Bennett, Baldwin, Coles, Oakley, Cureton, Davies, Doherty, Amankwaah, O'Flynn, Bauza, Keohane, Molesley, Dawson, Moore-Taylor, Gosling, Micklewright, Roper.
Unavailable: Sercombe (ankle), Gow (ankle), Anderson (unknown), Doherty (back), Chamberlain, Wannell, Tillson, Jagger Cane (out on loan).
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