Bartosz Bialkowski was delighted with his hard-fought shut-out on Saturday afternoon.
The goalkeeper had to put in a Man of the Match performance to preserve Notts’ 1-0 lead over Carlisle United, created by Alan Judge's fantastic 35th minute chip.
On three occasions, the home fans thought that the Cumbrians had struck back, only for the Polish stopper to pull off remarkable saves, including a truly outstanding block to deny defender Sean O’Hanlon at close range.
The Magpies had not kept a clean sheet since in six games, with the most recent recorded at the end of January – a 2-0 triumph over npower League 1 strugglers Portsmouth.
“I obviously had a few saves to make in the second half, because obviously when you’re in front they’re going to push forward,” Bialkowski told Magpie Player.
“All three were quite good ones but I think when I spread myself to my right and managed to block a shot from close range with my leg, that was a lucky save but a good one as well.
“If you don’t go you never know so I went, spread myself and luckily for me I managed to block it.”
He added: “I’m massively pleased with the clean sheet, because for every goalkeeper it is the most important thing.
“1-0 is the best result you can get and when you show proper character and defend – fight for your lives, which we did on Saturday – we can be really pleased.
“I have only managed to keep 10 clean sheets this season and it’s not enough for me, because I set my number at 20 at the beginning of the season.
“I still can do it but it’s going to be a hard one, though I just want to enjoy every game I play.”
Notts closed the gap on the Play-Off places to eight points and can make up even further ground on Wednesday, when Leyton Orient visit Meadow Lane. To purchase tickets from only £1, visit www.nottscountydirect.co.uk.
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