Sub keeper Arran Lee-Barrett was delighted to make his surprise Town debut against his old club Cardiff as the Blues recorded their first away win of the season. Lee-Barrett was with the Welshmen from 2003 to 2005.
Lee-Barrett, who came on as a 25th minute sub for Richard Wright, joined the Bluebirds after leaving Norwich City’s youth set-up, having been a schoolboy with the Blues, his hometown club. The keeper also spent time at Coventry without making appearances but was a regular at Hartlepool for two seasons before being released in the summer and also played in the Conference with Weymouth early in his career.
The 25-year-old was pleased to make his Town bow and to get the win against one of his old clubs: "Football can be such a funny game. I spent two-and-a-half years at Cardiff, without ever playing a league game, and now I've ended up playing against them!
"I suppose I wouldn't even have been on the bench, if Asmir had still been with us. I was obviously disappointed to be left out of the squad, but you just have to stay professional.
"It was unfortunate that Richard Wright picked up a knee injury, but I'm very happy that we managed to hold onto our lead and win the game. It's brilliant for the club.”
If Richard Wright’s knee injury is serious Town may try to get special dispensation to bring in another keeper on loan, although with the more experienced Lee-Barrett and youngster Ian McLoughlin both on professional contracts, that permission may not be granted.
Lee-Barrett’s deal is up in January when former Bohemians keeper Brian Murphy officially joins the club, but he is hopeful of winning new terms: "I don't know whether I'll get an extension. I just have to try and impress, and see what happens. If I get the opportunity to stay, then I'd take it. But who knows?”