Ipswich Town: Goalkeeper Christian Walton on 2-0 win at Exeter City

The Blues were in full control against the Grecians, with Walton rarely troubled on an afternoon where Freddie Ladapo and Marcus Harness found the net in a comfortable Town win. 

Walton has set exceptionally high standards since joining Ipswich last summer but, by his own admission, has made errors in recent weeks, notably at Charlton and in last weekend’s home draw with Cheltenham. 

Christian Walton, pictured in action at Exeter (Image: Ross Halls)

He’s worked hard to put them right, though, and was delighted with the manner of Town’s victory in Devon. 

“It was really pleasing and we want to build on that,” Walton said, after keeping his eighth clean sheet of the season. 

“We have had clean sheets this season but not as consistently as last season, so to add one to the tally is great. 

“The goals we’ve conceded recently haven’t been hugely concerning because they were just down to individual errors, myself included. I have to hold my hands up on a few of the goals we’ve conceded of late, but that happens in football, especially as a goalkeeper. 

“I am probably my own biggest critic and always want to do well. Playing in goal is a hard position at times but I work on my game and work hard away from training, whether it’s watching games or my own footage.” 

On Town’s victory, their seventh on the road in League One this season, Walton added: “It was a really good team performance against a team we knew had been in a good run of form. 

“We knew we needed to be on our game from minute one, so to get the early goal was key for us going on to get a really good win. 

“We controlled the game for the first 20 minutes and they had one little spell, but I only had to make one save all afternoon which I think is how it can be this season with this team. 

“If you look at the top teams, their goalkeepers don’t need to make too many saves but will need to make big ones in big moments. 

“I want to make sure I’m there to do that for this team.” 

Walton was also full of praise for centre-back Cameron Burgess, who returned to the starting line-up for the first time since suffering nasty facial injuries in the middle of September. 

“I thought he was outstanding today,” Walton said of Burgess. 

“He gets his head on everything, is really dialled in and wants to do the best he can for the team. 

“He works so hard in training and it was great to see him play so well.” 

Walton is likely to drop out of the side for the next two Ipswich games, as the Blues face Portsmouth in the Papa John’s Trophy on Tuesday night and then Buxton in the FA Cup on Sunday. 

“I’ll be ready to play if needed and will be training as if I’m going to play,” said Walton. 

“I want to play as much football as I can for the club but, if I’m not, I’ll be supporting the other lads.”