Jim Atkinson: Loved it since I came through the door

First-team goalkeeper Jim Atkinson says he’s ‘loved it’ since he came through the door at Reds.

The 25-year-old, who joined in summer from Gretna 2008, signed a new contract last week.

Speaking after a hard-fought, fiery affair at Prescot Cables on Saturday, he discussed the win, his renewed deal and more.

“It was a great result for the boys,” he said.

“It’s good to put more pressure on at the top but obviously we need to keep picking up results and it was nice to get another clean sheet as well.”

The contract will keep the former Annan and Queen of the South stopper at Borough Park until the end of next season, and he expressed his ‘delight’ on sorting the negotiations out.

“It’s something I’ve wanted to get done for a long time,” he explained.

“I’ve loved it since I came through the door here. It’s nice to be number one and playing every week. Everything’s positive.”

Atkinson had little to do at the IP Truck Parts Stadium as Reds ran out 0-2 winners, behind a back four with a change in Cole Lonsdale at left-back.

The Carlisle-born ‘keeper isn’t fazed by any combination in defence, saying: “We’ve got strength in-depth.”

“You saw Danny came on today and we’ve got Jordan Little and Robbie Hebson on the bench.”

“The back four that started did the job; we nullified their threat completely. They didn’t have a shot on target so it was a good all-round performance.”

Since the departure of good friend Alex Mitchell early in the campaign, there has been no regular ‘number two’ competing with Atkinson.

Complacency could easily creep in, but knows what the possible consequences are if he doesn’t keep himself on top form.

“There’s direct competition such as a goalie on the bench but I need to keep myself on my toes so I know the manager doesn’t look elsewhere.”

“Danny could easily bring someone in on loan or even sign somebody.”

“It’s nine clean sheets in the league this season so we’ve build a good base at the back and it’s a good platform for the whole team.”

Reds return to Borough Park this Saturday, hosting third-bottom Ossett United. Kick-off in the BetVictor NPL North West division match is 3pm.