League One Stopper of the Season: Connor Ripley

Ripley’s net rarely ripples

Only Fleetwood Town have kept more clean sheets (17) than Oldham Athletic (15) this season. Their defensive record of 38 goals conceded in 39 games is better than that of Wigan Athletic, when the fellow ‘Tics won the title and Sheffield United, champions-elect this term.

With one of the worst attacks in third tier history, devoid of technical quality baring Lee Erwin’s recent purple patch, Oldham rely solely on their defensive credentials. Some praise must go to Peter Clarke, who brings strong leadership and bags of experience to the back-line after signing from Bury. Centre-back Cameron Burgess went in the other direction in January but has been well replaced by Anthony Gerrard, while Brighton loanee Rob Hunt adds versatility when fit.

However, the star performer has been Connor Ripley. He preserved August’s 1-0 win at Bury despite Oldham having less than half the Shakers’ number of shots on target, then made two good late saves to preserve a point in the home fixture. He has thrived in derby games, unlucky to be on the losing side at Rochdale and Bolton. He was man-of-the-match in a 1-1 draw at former club Oxford and made a string of saves in a 2-1 win at Northampton.

Even if Oldham stay up, it is hard to see them tying Ripley down to a permanent deal this summer. He will attract interest from Championship sides, one of which could be parent club Middlesbrough, should Victor Valdes leave or Dimitros Konstantopoulos move on. The 24-year-old has an exciting future in the game, one which could include preserving Oldham’s 20-year third tier status.