HARTLEPOOL United boss Kevin Phillips was pleased with his side’s defensive performance against Southend United.
There was no goal at the end of the match at Suit Direct Stadium.
And Phillips was pleased to have prevented a score for the Shrimpers.
“I’m happy to have kept a clean sheet first and foremost,” Phillips stated on the team’s YouTube account.
It’s only the third in the league this season, I believe.
“You saw that I asked the players to be solid on defence, to keep a clean sheet, and to be more difficult to break down.
“But goals are what win you matches, and that’s the most obvious thing to say.
“It’s up to the offensive players to fulfil their duties after I’ve ordered the defence to perform theirs.
We were unable to succeed today.
Phillips did, however, commend the Blues’ organisational skills, as they have the best defensive record in the division.
Phillips stated, “We faced a very well-organized team.”
They are difficult to break down because they are well-drilled and put bodies behind the ball.
It would have required something unique, but you have to think of something different when facing teams like them.
We tried our hardest to tear them down, but we were unable, so I’m not sure how I feel.
“I’m happy with the clean sheet, and we can now build on it.
“However, we now have to address the other aspect and exercise greater clinical judgement in the last third.”
