Bristol Rovers have kept three straight clean sheets in Sky Bet League Two, but Kofi Balmer is not getting too comfortable, knowing the Pirates must stay on top of their game.
The Pirates conceded five goals in their first two fixtures in the fourth tier but have not conceded since, beating Crawley Town, Colchester United and Rotherham United without too much pressure on their own goal.
An impressive attack and strong defence have helped Steve Evans' men to the top of Sky Bet League Two, with the Mariners up next. The Lincolnshire-based side are unbeaten this term, winning on the opening day before drawing their last four.
Speaking to the media before the fixture, Balmer reflected on the start of the campaign and the defensive improvements.
RESTING AFTER A BUSY PERIOD
"I think the rest has been good. Playing two games a week is tough, but you would say to anyone that you want to play the game, so we'll take two games.
“But having that rest was good; it means we can regroup, recover well, and hopefully hit the ground running on Saturday."
THE START OF THE SEASON
“Well, obviously, the first game against York, that was a bit of a kick in the teeth for us, and we didn't deserve anything in that game.
“We all know that, but I think we turned it around quickly, and we've maybe not played the best that we can, obviously, in the last game, but we still find a way to win, and the previous games before that one.
“Everyone, to a man, was just phenomenal. So, I think we have deserved to get the wins, but that’s in the past; it's about the coming Saturday now."
THREE STRAIGHT CLEAN SHEETS
“Obviously, as defenders, Riley and I have no excuses for that. That was just bad on our point. Riley and I are very close, so we always talk to each other, and we know it wasn't good enough. We just kept backing each other up and encouraging each other, and it clicked.
“Hopefully that continues, but we know that wasn't good enough conceding those goals, and to be honest, a lot of them were just individual mistakes, which, at this level, you get punished for. We've got that camaraderie again and hopefully long may continue.
"Clean sheets are a big bonus for us, but it's the start of the season, so you can't get too comfortable. You always have to be on top of your game and ready to face what's ahead of you. The three clean sheets on the bounce is brilliant for us, but we'll keep concentrating, and hopefully we'll keep getting those clean sheets."
HIS RETURN TO BRISTOL ROVERS
“It wasn't really a tough decision. I was happy here. I was playing. I was enjoying it, and I looked at the bigger picture; maybe promotion was on the cards with the squad that we have.
“I’m not coming in saying, yeah, we're getting promoted, that's why I've joined. Obviously, yes, in my head, I think that because you have to believe.
“But at the same time, it was a good group here. I was really enjoying my football again, so for me, that was the biggest part, just wanting to be enjoying it and I'm playing, so I’m happy I came back.
“When you're at a place where you're wanted, it makes you feel better, and you want to give it back to them because obviously they come to the games every week and their support is phenomenal. So, for me, it was very good to see, and I'm thankful for it, and I just want to give it back this season.”
EARLY START FOR GRIMSBY
“It's just usual routine. It's a long way away, but we know they'll [the fans] travel in their numbers because they always do. They’re the 12th man essentially, and we need them.”
HIS INJURY
“It wasn't as bad [as it looked]. I've seen a couple of photos; it wasn't as deep as it looked. It was one of those; I know he hasn't gone to hurt me.
“We both went into the tackle. That's just the way the game is, you know, I put myself in those positions. He hasn't intentionally done it; he's protecting himself, essentially. It was one of those; I just thought it was more of a pain tolerance thing- if I could play and just cracked on with it."
PARTNERSHIP WITH RILEY HARBOTTLE
“It's probably one of the more consistent partnerships I've had. I've been at clubs, and it's just been chopping and changing. But I think that's credit to everyone in the squad; everyone's close, we stick together.
“You know, if there are problems on the pitch, we iron it out and get on with it. I think for a club that is wanting to push on, you need to have people who will dig you out when you're not doing well.
“They'll dig you out when you're not doing well, but if you're doing well, they'll praise you, which is good.
“I would say it's probably one of the best relationships I've had with another centre-back. I think we know each other to a tee now, just cover each other and back each other up at every point.”
