Town boss sets his sights on first clean sheet at Hayes & Yeading

A CLEAN sheet is at the forefront of manager Gary Brabin’s mind when Luton Town visit Hayes & Yeading on Tuesday evening, writes Mike Simmonds.

The Hatters have conceded in all three of their Blue Square Bet Premier matches so far, fielding a back four that only played together for the first time during the season opener against Forest Green Rovers.

Dean Beckwith, Will Antwi and Curtis Osano have now played three games together and Brabin said: “It’s something I’ve always prided myself on and in the past we have been strong.

“I think that people realise and I’m not making excuses, but we’ve had to sort of throw together a back four which we didn’t think we’d have to do.

“We’ve been blighted with injuries, so in one aspect, yes we always want a clean sheet, but we’ve thrown a back four together and they’re still getting better and better.

“Hopefully they keep on improving and start getting the clean sheets.”

Hayes are playing their home games at Woking’s Kingfield Ground this season with their new stadium being built, but Brabin doesn’t think that will have any bearing on the result.

He said: “I think it’s got its pros and cons. In some ways it’s a fresh thing and the club should be used to it now having played a few games on it. It seems a bit weird going to Woking when you’re playing Hayes, but we won’t be reading too much into it.”

Town’s opponents have had an indifferent start to season, sitting in the bottom four, but after holding Luton to a draw at Kenilworth Road last campaign, Brabin isn’t underestimating Hayes in the slightest.

He continued: “They’re always a tough side and have done well in this league. Fleetwood played them last week and they were unlucky getting a 1-0 loss, so they’re getting a lot of good reviews at the moment.

“When we played them twice last season I couldn’t believe they were in the bottom half of the table. I thought they were a good side, we’re not going to be treating them lightly, they’ve got some decent players so we’re expecting a tough game.”

Although Hayes’ hopes of survival this season are dramatically different to Hatters anticipated promotion push, Brabin insists his side must remain switched on.

He said: “The same application has to be applied for whatever you’re fighting for.

“Whether it be staying in the league or getting out of it, we realise they’re going to be a tough opposition and we’ll be giving them our full respect.”

Town have doubts over midfielder Alex Lawless and defender Dan Gleeson, but the boss is hopeful they will both be available for selection.

He said: “Alex has been in light training so we’ll assess him tomorrow and see where he is.

“Dan Gleeson, I just didn’t want to rush him back. We used him as a sub on Tuesday night, he came on and I thought he was excellent.

“We just didn’t want to push him too much, he trained again and we’ll see how he is.

“Apart from George Pilkington, everyone’s progressing at the moment.”

New signing John Paul Kissock is looking for a first start for the club too after joining on Friday.

Brabin said: “I think JP has come in and looks like hes chomping at the bit to be involved, g which is a good attitude to have.”

Leading scorer Amari Morgan-Smith is hopeful his side can record their first away win of the season too, as he added: “We will go there and hopefully take it to them and get the three points.

“Performance comes over three points but will go there and make sure ready and raring to go.”

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