FROM being the odd man out in the summer, Alan Reeves suddenly finds himself the lynchpin of Town's new defensive back line.

He has battled back from being told he was no longer required and is forming a promising partnership alongside Adam Willis and Antoine van der Linden in the all-new back three.

Reeves said: "The summer seems a long time ago now. I was determined to take my chance when it came and now I am really enjoying my football.

"I think the defence has performed quite well as a three. I know we let in three goals at Notts County and another one against Cambridge, but I would say they were all down to silly, individual, mistakes.

"If we can cut them out of our game then I am sure we can continue to get some decent results in the bag and help Andy King to get the job."

Reeves believes the team has played better in recent matches, and says they feel better once they score the first goal.

"A good start is very important," he said. "Danny put us in front on Tuesday and I think the lads really felt relaxed.

"I think it made a difference with us actually going ahead. We were not chasing the game as in previous weeks and we were able to relax a bit more."