KEITH Wilson was full of praise for his Great Wakering Rovers players after they secured a first clean sheet of the season in a battling 0-0 stalemate at VCD Athletic.

The Wakering boss knew his side, 11 points below VCD ahead of kick-off, would need an assured defensive display to return from Kent with points to show for it and that was what he got.

The duo of Kye Jude and Nikki Beale were excellent in the absence of captain and talisman John Easterford.

And Wilson said Wakering could even have won the game in the end as they made it three games without defeat for the first time this term.

“It was an excellent result,” he said. “It was the first clean sheet for us and that was very pleasing as we had to dig in. They piled on the pressure but defensively to a man we were excellent and when they got through (goalkeeper) Matt Belcher was in top form.

“We had two one-on-ones, one of which Rhys Fatt put wide and another Joe Paxman should have scored in the final moments. It would have been a smash-and-grab but VCD didn’t have any chances of that nature.

“All successful sides are based on having a solid defence and we were without John Easterford and Steve Butterworth as well.

“We competed throughout and there was a real desire.”

Wilson praised his players for taking his instructions on board and has also backed striker Fatt, a recent addition from Essex Senior League side Southend Manor, to be back in the goals before long.

“The team has come on a lot and are taking on board what I am asking them to do and, except for 45 minutes against Romford, they are executing it,” said Wilson.

“I have a defensive headache ahead of Saturday now after the way the two centre-halves played but that is a good thing.

“Rhys has admitted the step up is bigger than expected but his work rate and willingness to learn is invaluable. His head didn’t drop and he is more than good enough I am sure of that.”

Next up is a huge test against bottom side Wroxham, and Rovers are targetting more points as they look to drag themselves away from the relegation places.

“We have to be four games unbeaten come 5pm on Saturday,” said Wilson. “I have a good look at the table and we need that gap to grow.

“If some results go our way then we bring others into the scrap too so it is a big game and we have to move on from the VCD result now.”