Crawley Town star highlights defensive partners' qualities after another new back three against Chesterfield
Charlie Barker stressed the quality of his defensive partners as he made up another new Crawley Town back-three in the 1-1 draw with Chesterfield.
The Reds’ defence has seen many shake ups in recent games due to injuries to Theo Vassell, Josh Flint and now Lewis Richards, who went off with a calf problem on Saturday.
Jonny Russell, a left wing-back by trade, filled in for Richards on the left-side of the defence and put in a solid display.
Despite the injuries sustained to his key defensive figures, manager Scott Lindsey ruled out switching formation to accommodate his current options.
Barker said: “The back three was pretty settled for the first half of the season, but obviously changes were made. We weren't keeping enough clean sheets. We've conceded too many goals.
“They're all good players - everyone that's coming in and not in the team, injured. Everyone can play with each other. We train every day with each other. We know everyone's strengths and weaknesses.
“Obviously it's nice when it's settled but at this stage of the season, with so many games, people are going to pick up injuries and suspensions. It's not going to be a consistent team. You have to be able to adapt and stick together. They're all good players, so you've got to trust them to do their jobs.”
The Reds picked up another point against a team fighting for promotion to League One, just four days after a hard-fought 0-0 draw at MK Dons.
The Dons’ assistant manager, Richie Barker, is the Crawley defender’s father and admitted it was “a bit strange” watching his son on the opposition team.
When asked about his perspective on it, the Reds’ man said: “It is a bit weird. I didn't see him before the game at all.
“The first time I saw him, I went to pick a ball up in their dugout for a throw-in. He was just sitting there looking at me.
“It was a little bit weird. It's a really nice thing to have the opportunity to do. I enjoyed it. I don't know how often I'd like to do it, but it was really nice.”
Crawley are back in action next weekend when they travel to take on Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park.