'He makes saves other goalkeepers wouldn’t make' - Dave Challinor heaps praise on Hartlepool United keeper

Challinor says Killip makes saves that ‘other goalkeepers wouldn’t make’ and believes he has become more reliable this campaign.

The Pools boss also suggested the lack of crowds, with matches being played behind-closed-doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic, was helping Killip’s concentration and decision-making, something he said that needed to improve.

Pools host Torquay United at Victoria Park on Saturday teatime in a televised National League clash and they head into the game on the back of the disappointing 1-1 draw with Altrincham on Tuesday.

Killip was on hand to save Matty Kosylo’s spot-kick late on and preserve their unbeaten start to the season.

Reflecting on his goalkeeper’s performance, Challinor said: “He makes saves other goalkeepers wouldn’t make.

“The big thing with Ben was around his decision-making.

“We’re always going to be critical and we’ll look at when he came out the box and gave away a handball.

“What he tried to do too much last year and whether it’s playing to a crowd, he tried to win the game from being the goalkeeper - and unfortunately that’s not going to happen very often.

“What you’ve got to do as a goalkeeper is make sure you don’t lose the game and keep the ball out your net.

“It’s easy to get excited when 4,000 people are absolutely screaming at your backs and want you to do well but you’ve got to stay within the moment.

“Possibly not having crowds in has done him the world of good. He’s just become a little bit more reliable, a bit more safe and that’s what you want from the person who is your final line of defence.

“He’s under pressure - great he’s embraced that. Henrich has been brilliant - what we do have in the squad, them two as an example - is really, really good competition.

“It’s healthy competition as everybody wants each other to do really well but understands if you don’t perform, someone is waiting to take their place.”

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