Keeper expects Christmas bonus for the Blues fans

TRINITY keeper Jan Budtz says there’s no reason why his side can’t give the fans six points for Christmas.

Gainsborough host Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday before a trip to FC Halifax on Boxing Day.

And although the 33-year-old conceded that Saturday’s visit of out-of-form Celtic could present a tricky task, he told the Standard that confidence in the Blues camp is sky high.

“We’re riding high at the minute, going into the Christmas games full of positivity and we need to set our aims high,” he said.

“Stalybridge is as tricky if not more so than Halifax because they need a result, so we have to stay focused and get our minds on the job.”

“But we’ve won seven in a row, lost once in 13 games, so there’s no reason why we can’t aim for six points in these two games.”

After one of their best results for years in the FA Trophy on Saturday, the Blues failed to fire on all cylinders in the first half on Monday against Bradford Park Avenue.

But Budtz revealed that Trinity boss Steve Housham gave them the necessary kick up the backside at the interval, and spurred them on to a 2-0 victory.

“He’s a good motivator, he’s a former player and knows what goes through our heads.”

“We got a bit of a rollicking at half-time, he said we’re our own worst enemies when we play badly and he got us on our toes again.”

A number of stellar displays between the posts have earned Budtz plenty of plaudits from team-mates and his gaffer.

The Dane admits that he’s enjoying a purple patch of form, and was quick to highlight the part his back four have played in Trinity’s defensive mean streak.

“I feel great, even at my age I guess I must be getting better, like a good bottle of wine,” he said.

“I get paid to make saves so I’m just doing my job, but it’s been a long time, if ever, since I’ve played with defenders who show such willingness to get their head to every ball and put 150 per cent into every tackle.”

“That makes my job much easier, and inspires me to go into challenges.”

“We support each other really well and we’ve gelled since pre-season.”

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