In-form Cousins loves being U's number one (From Gazette)

In-form Cousins loves being U's number one

9:22am Monday 20th August 2012 in Sport By Jonathan Waldron

Mark Cousins says he is relishing being Colchester United ’s number one after helping them claim an opening-day draw at Preston North End.

Goalkeeper Cousins made a string of impressive saves to keep the Lilywhites out and ensure the U’s kept a clean sheet, in the 0-0 draw at Deepdale.

It is the second successive game that Cousins has been in excellent form between the sticks for Colchester, after he made a number of fine stops in their Capital One Cup tie at Yeovil Town, last week.

And following Ben Williams’ summer departure to Hibernian, Cousins confirmed he is enjoying his status as the U’s first-choice shot-stopper.

Cousins said: “I want to be number one for a long time – now I’ve got my chance I’ve got to take it.

“I’ve been busy over the last few games but that’s my job, to keep the ball out of the back of the net.

“I love being Colchester United ’s number one and it’s great to be hopefully playing every week and having the shirt.

“The more games you play, the more confident you get.

“It’s nice to start the league season with a clean sheet - that’s always a confidence boost and hopefully we can get lots more.”

See Monday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including a full match report, pictures and reaction from the U's draw with Preston.