Manchester United youngster Nathan Bishop spoke earlier this month to the Mansfield Town club’s website about his frustration at failing to keep a clean sheet so far.

The weekend’s fixture between second placed Leyton Orient and his away from home Mansfield side in 20th, did not seem to be a likely one for him to finally get his first.

But that’s exactly what happened. Mansfield held on to secure a surprise 0-0 draw and Bishop collected his first clean sheet, in his ninth league appearance for the club.

Mansfield Town v Harrogate Town - Sky Bet League Two
(Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)

Praise for young goalkeeper

Despite his team’s tough start to the season, Bishop has done fairly well for the League Two side.

His contribution to the result was praised by manager Nigel Clough after the game.

Clough told the club website: ““The goalkeeper [Nathan Bishop] made some good saves, in particular an outstanding save late on.”

 

Mansfield’s chances were made tougher after a 85th minute red card but they were able to hold on for the point.

Bishop, 21, told the club website after the game: “I’m just delighted with it [the team’s performance] and delighted with a clean sheet.”

A platform to build from

It has been really positive that despite the poor start to the season, Mansfield have stuck with Bishop in goal and resisted making a change for the sake of it.

Matej Kovar came unstuck at Swindon last season on his loan and was eventually recalled early by United.

Mansfield Town v Preston North End - Carabao Cup First Round
(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)

This clean sheet will give Bishop confidence and aid him as he tries to kick on and help his side up the table.

A strong loan this season will potentially set up an even more attractive move for him next season. Di’Shon Bernard secured a Championship loan this season after featuring in League Two last campaign.

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