VIDEO: ex-Bury Town stopper on keeping Ipswich Town at bay

Nick Pope spoke to journalists on the pitch at Portman Road last night after he put in a man-of-the-match performance as his Charlton Athletic side drew 0-0 with Ipswich Town last night (Tuesday, April 5).

The former Bury Town and West Suffolk College student is currently enjoying a run in the Addicks side ahead of Republic of Ireland international Stephen Henderson - and caught the eye with a string of confident saves back at the club he still supports last night.

In his first professional game at the home of his boyhood club. Pope - the brother of Mildenhall Town goalkeeper Josh - was watched on from the stands by his Ipwich-supporting parents, David and Bridget, and other family and friends.

But despite the clean sheet and his and his team’s encouraging display, he admitted to leaving disappointed his relegation-threatened side - now seven points from safety - could not take the three points they desperately needed.

The 23-year-old, who like Ipswich’s Tyrone Mings, switched from non-League football, with Bury Town, to the Football League with Charlton, said he experiences out on loan - at York City and last season winning promotion with Bury - had contributed to improving his confidence in coming out and claiming balls early, a successful feature of his game last night.

The draw left Ipswich Town’s play-off hopes a distant dream with The Tractor Boys now seven points adrift of sixth place with six games to play.

For Pope’s views on whether Ipswich can bridge the gap to the top six, see Friday’s Bury Free Press.