BIRTHDAY boy Michael Emery came off the bench to play a starring role in City s 1-1 draw at Basingstoke Town on Saturday. The young goalkeeper, who d only made one previous appearance for City, was called into action after 32 minutes following Paul Bastoc

BIRTHDAY boy Michael Emery came off the bench to play a starring role in City's 1-1 draw at Basingstoke Town on Saturday.

The young goalkeeper, who'd only made one previous appearance for City, was called into action after 32 minutes following Paul Bastock's controversial dismissal and although Emery couldn't keep out Matt Warner's penalty he was able to help City claim a deserved point.

"I was quite happy sat there watching Baz, but it was quite nice to come on," Emery told the Herts Advertiser.

"It's not great (to come on and face a penalty), you do what you can, you just battle it out. The lads did well to keep it tight right at the end there and it was a good performance," continued the goalkeeper who was celebrating his 19th birthday.

Emery came to the fore in the second half with a string of saves to deny Basingstoke from snatching a winner and the former Rushden & Diamonds man was happy with his showing.

"It's always nice to get a few decent saves and to get the chance to do it. The defence battled hard and did brilliantly and to be fair it was a really good team performance," added Emery.

The young shot stopper has spent time on loan at Skegness recently, making four appearances and conceding just one goal in that time, and he is now keen to continue his progression at Clarence Park under the watchful eyes of tutor Bastock.

"I'm really enjoying it at the club. I've been out and had a few games on loan, done well and it was nice to come in and show that I've been doing well.

"You can't really get a better teacher than Baz and I'm sure he'll remind you of that as well," joked Emery. "He likes to think he taught me everything!