Exceptional goalkeeper Ben Garratt quick to praise his team-mates.

Inspired goalkeeper Ben Garratt says that it was a real confidence booster to acquire a clean-sheet on the opening day of the season against Port Vale and the club’s highly-rated stopper was quick to praise the players in front of him.

Garratt was in exceptional form to keep out of the likes of Louis Dodds and Uche Ikpeazu at the weekend and he was rightly named as the sponsors’ Man-of-the-Match following his assured display in the derby.

Garratt told the club’s new Crewe Alex PlayerHD portal: “It was a derby game to start the season with and a bit frantic but I think we managed to find our feet and worked hard to get a point.

“I think to get a clean-sheet on the opening day of the season is a real confidence boost and that is credit to the whole team. Everyone defended well and not just the back four and myself.

“It just goes to show that when we are not quite producing as much as we would like on the ball, we can keep a clean-sheet and pick up a point. Having that stability gives you a chance to stay in the game and have those chances at the other end.

Ben added: “It is always a good feeling to keep the ball out of the net and if I can do that and help the lads then I am more than happy to do so. That is my job and what I am thee for.

"It has given us a boost not to get beaten and we have a platform to go on from there.”

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