Goalkeeper Christian Walton wants Town to use the Boxing Day home clash with in-form Oxford United to bounce back from last weekend’s 1-0 loss at Wycombe Wanderers, only their third league defeat in the current campaign.

Walton has been ever-present in League One for the Blues this season and remembers how well they recovered from previous defeats at Plymouth Argyle and at home to Lincoln City by beating Portsmouth and Derby County respectively next time out.

The 27-year-old Cornishman, who has represented England at U19, U20 and U21 international levels, said: “The Oxford game is another big opportunity for us and there will be another big crowd at Portman Road, which is outstanding to see.

“There’s no doubt we will be looking to put on a performance like those that saw us take maximum points from both Portsmouth and Derby.”

Asked if it was easier to accept defeat when the team’s performance was still good, Walton added: “Yes, I think so. I don’t think we’ve played poorly in any of the three defeats we have had in the league this season to be honest.

“The Plymouth one, the game against Lincoln when we had 30 shots on goal or whatever it was and again on Saturday when we dominated the possession.

“I know that doesn’t necessarily win you games but I think we’ve played well. There are times when you come away wondering how you didn’t get a win or at least picked up something from the game, but that’s football.”

Reflecting on the most recent setback at Adams Park, which saw them surrender top place in the league to former leaders Plymouth, Walton said: “I thought we pretty much did everything right, everything that we had worked on and everything that we were asked to do on the day, I thought we did well and executed it well.

“The only thing, of course, was not scoring at least one goal — or two to win the game — and that was obviously disappointing. We wanted to take more from a game that we dominated for large periods.

“We were focused and didn’t give them very much at all but to be fair to the lad who scored for them he did well to get through. We were disappointed with that aspect of things.”

Walton and his colleagues will be in for training on Christmas Day to make their final preparations to face Karl Robinson’s men, who are unbeaten in 10 games in all competitions, eight in the league thanks to two wins and six draws, the most recent of which came at third-placed Sheffield Wednesday last week when experienced midfielder James Henry missed a late penalty.

The ex-Plymouth and Brighton man continued: “I enjoy Christmas as much as anyone and I definitely enjoyed it as a fan when I was younger. I remember how I always used to look forward to going to the game on Boxing Day. It was one of the highlights of every season and I think it’s still the same for the supporters.

“As a professional footballer I am used to training on Christmas Day. All the lads are the same and it’s all about making sure we are ready because there are a lot of games in such a short time at this time of the year. We just have to focus on Boxing Day first and then the rest will take care of themselves really.

“The festive period can be important for any club because it gives you the opportunity to pick up points in a short period of time.

“Easter is similar because the games are crammed in but I think the Christmas period can set you up well for January and because you’re past the half-way stage of the season you are well aware that the number of games is going down.

“If we can have a good period over Christmas it could set us up nicely for the New Year and the coming months.

“Maybe the training on Christmas Day feels a bit different to the rest of the time and if you have children I guess you’ll know more about that. But once you come into the training ground it’s just like any other day.

“We’ll be training and doing our normal stuff; the fact that it’s Christmas Day won’t affect it in any way. Plus, we get home for the rest of Christmas Day, same as we do any other day as well.”

Asked if the squad were under strict instructions not to overdo the Christmas dinner, Walton added: “Yes, but I think it’s down to the individuals to take responsibility for that and look after themselves. I don’t think any of the lads will be going overboard.”

Photo: TWTD

SickParrot added 18:29 - Dec 22 I think we need to play at a high tempo from kick off and hope that we get a bit of luck (may be a penalty at last) and establish an early 2 goal lead. We must then continue at the same tempo and not sit back or concede the usual soft goal. If we don't score early I fear that confidence will drain away and our lack of a plan B may cost us again. Happy christmas from a grumpy old man!

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Linkboy13 added 19:01 - Dec 22 Yes Sick Parrot you made some good points. I think sometimes a teams performances on the pitch tells you a lot about the managers personality which is very laid back and this is not a criticism. I think the worst thing you can do is to start throwing a tantrum that might work with some players but can put added pressure on players. In my experience the best managers generally will have a quiet word in your ear and not embarras you in front of the whole team. But im puzzled why in games we looked so relaxed when we get in front. I know we are second in the league but this squad is in my opinion is the most talented in the league and if we don't win it, it will be a underachiement.

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churchmans added 19:07 - Dec 22 Sick parrot EXACTLY THAT 💯
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Lightningboy added 19:56 - Dec 22 2 massive games coming up - the sooner we can get past the 50 point mark i'll feel more comfortable otherwise I fear we're going to end up slipping like in 2 of the last 3 seasons. About time Walton "re-discovered" his form too - been a bit of a liability of late.
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ArnieM added 20:40 - Dec 22 I want our lot to come out of the blocks and get at em, from the moment that whistle goes , and WE need to rays the roof snd keep it raised.
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ArnieM added 05:30 - Dec 23 …… or even “ raise” the roof lol!
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clivebleedingthomas added 08:08 - Dec 23 We need the support to be constantly noisy throughout the match, even when things on the pitch are not going according to our hopes. Keep the volume high to let the players know how badly we want them to win. They feed off our presence and enthusiasm on Monday, we don't need to wait for them to do things that excite us. COYB!
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Bluespeed added 12:16 - Dec 23 If there can be any criticism aimed at our fantastic support this season it is exactly that ! We go quiet when the game is not going all our own way, yes I get all the arguments that it's a two way street bla bla bla however look at the late goals in games up & down the leagues when the supporters really make a noise, of course it would also make so much difference if ALL the stands made some noise! & not just leave it to the SBR ! Happy Christmas 🎅🏻

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Bazza8564 added 12:19 - Dec 23 Fellow fans, its a very very simple proposition. Cant change last game, Can Change next game! Lets let Oxfords 400 have a wall of noise Boxing day and get ourselves back on track
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Orraman added 13:44 - Dec 23 While every win fills me with great pleasure it will be exceedingly pleasurable to beat Oxford, far and away the most negative anti -football team in Lge One
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