Hard work and regular game time bringing the best out in Ross Fitzsimons, says Boston United coach Rich Lawrence

Ross Fitzsimons is reaping the rewards after being given a run of first-team games, says Boston United goalkeeping coach Rich Lawrence.

The Pilgrims number one was named December's National League North Player of the Month after keeping five clean sheets and saving two penalties in the FA Trophy shootout victory over AFC Fylde.

Fitzsimons has made the position his own since arriving this summer and Lawrence believes his fine form - and award - are due to regular game time, having made just 50 first-team appearances for Notts County and Chesterfield in the previous three seasons.

"I'm delighted with him. To be fair to Ross, over the last couple of years, given the clubs he's been at, I don't think he's been given the opportunities he's deserved with the quality he's got as a goalkeeper," said Lawrence.

"He's come in with us, settled in and and shown the quality he's got and got his just rewards because of that. He's worked hard for it."

Fitzsimons has kept an impressive seven shut outs in 15 matches so far this season, with Peter Crook also enjoying a clean sheet in his only first-team appearance to date this campaign, the 3-0 FA Trophy win at Evesham United.

"The consistency Ross has had and the clean sheets across the season, not just December, has been absolutely phenomenal," added Lawrence, who joined United as part of Craig Elliott's staff in 2017.

"At the start of the season I set a target of 20 clean sheets between him and Crooky, depending on who was playing. We've got eight clean sheets from 16 games and, if you include the Darlo game (abandoned with United 2-0 up in the 87th minute), it'd be nine from 17.

"We're almost at halfway house and we're not even halfway through the season, so we're delighted with the return."

Fitzsimons may have been given the nod so far this term but Lawrence believes Crook has also played his part behind the scenes.

He added: "I'm very lucky, I've got the best two keepers in this league, I'd say personally.

"It keeps them both on the toes, they push each other on in training and Ross also knows the quality and strength in depth we have in the goalkeeping department.

"It just stops any complacency. We know there's no margin for sitting back and resting on laurels with the quality of keepers we have.

"We have to push on and train hard and keep the continuity of high level performances. The defence have been immense as well and contributed massively for us.

"Crooky's one of the most professional goalkeepers I've ever worked with. He trains so hard and his attitude is fantastic. He's got good knowledge of the league and good knowledge of the position.

"It's not just me who does the goalkeeper coaching. Me, Ross, Crooky and young Jake (Frestle) set up sessions together and the goalkeeping department works very much as a team. Crooky is massive as well in that for us."

MORE PILGRIMS: Thanoj desperate to keep place

MORE PILGRIMS: Platt out for 'few weeks' - Elliott

MORE PILGRIMS: Four new fixtures arranged

MORE PILGRIMS: Rival boss labels United 'outstanding'

MORE PILGRIMS: Fitzsimons named Player of the Month

MORE PILGRIMS: Can United extend Bird stay?