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Joel Dixon’s penalty save against Shrewsbury Town was no fluke, says Ian Evatt.
The Wanderers keeper punched away a spot kick from Ryan Bowman in the second half in what proved a pivotal point in the 2-1 victory.
Dixon stood tall as Bowman tried to lift the ball down the middle of the goal – and Evatt believes the former Barrow stopper deserved the plaudits in an important moment of the game.
“The goalkeeper department probably claims that and credit to them for doing their homework,” he said. “A lot of homework goes on behind the scenes. Analysis, penalty takers, free kicks etc. Credit to them and credit to Joel for saving it.”
Dixon has claimed the goalkeeper’s spot from Matt Gilks this season after signing on a free transfer in the summer.
And Evatt says he has asked the 27-year-old to take on extra responsibilities with the ball as he tries to get Wanderers playing out and retaining possession at the back.
“Playing for us in goal isn’t just being a goalkeeper and saving the ball,” he said.
“You have to be able to build attacks. You have to have good position. You have to be our sweeper because we play a high line and try and compact the game and he does that great.
“Matt (Gilks) did that great for us last season, so we’ve got some great goalkeepers here. Andy (Fairman) and Matt do a fantastic job coaching Joel and improving him and there’s some good young ones waiting in the wings as well.
“Luke (Hutchinson) is doing great and a fantastic young goalkeeper. We’re blessed with what we have.
“We’re blessed with strength in depth, providing I can keep them in one piece, but that’s the main challenge at the minute.”
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