SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Daniel Bentley admits his club record run of clean sheets has yet to sink in.

The 21-year-old made it 11 shut-outs in a row at Roots Hall with Tuesday night’s 2-0 win against Newport County.

But Bentley, who has still not conceded a home goal since October, believes it will take more time to realise the significance of the achievement.

“It’s not really sunk in yet and I’m not sure it will for quite some time yet,” said Bentley.

“Equalling the record against Tranmere on Saturday was special in itself but Tuesday felt like a momentous game for everyone who has helped with the clean sheets.

“I know I’m probably sounding like a broken record but this is an achievement for the whole team not just me and for us all to beat the record together is fantastic.”

Bentley beat the previous best set by Mervyn Cawston back in 1981.

But he was forced to ride his luck against Newport as David Tutonda and Aaron O’Connor both struck the woodwork in the second half.

And both efforts had the Wickford based Bentley fearing the worst.

“My heart was in my mouth a bit, especially the second time,” recalled Bentley.

“The shot that hit the bar was a great snap shot but for the second one the ball got headed up on to my gloves before looping up in to the air.

“If I hadn’t gone for it then he would’ve had a free header but thankfully it didn’t go in and we got the clean sheet we needed for the win.

“That was my main focus rather than breaking the record.”

But Bentley will not be resting on his laurels.

And he has his sights set on securing more clean sheets as fifth placed Blues bid for automatic promotion.

“We’ve just got to keep pushing and keep on picking up three points,” said Bentley.

“We will be prepared for the play-offs if that’s what it comes down to but we’re not giving up on the top three just yet.

“All our games are big at this stage of the season but it’s a good kind of pressure to be playing under and we should be embracing it.”