YORK City keeper Adam Bartlett believes summer recruits Joe Tait and Kallum Griffiths have been key factors in his improved clean-sheet record.

Bartlett, pictured below, managed just three shut-outs in 27 contests last season following his November switch to Bootham Crescent from Darlington.

But the former England C international has already kept the opposition off the scoresheet in four of this term’s opening eight fixtures and feels that the addition of ex-Spennymoor defenders Tait and Griffiths has helped establish a more-organised back-line to complement what Bartlett also reckons is a fitter team than in 2017/18.

The Newcastle-born 32-year-old said: “We’ve been relatively solid, conceding five goals in eight games and keeping four clean sheets. We could have had another one as well (at Hereford on Saturday), but the ball went through Joe’s legs for their goal and I was unsighted.

“We had two clean sheets under the previous manager this season and have had another two since Sam (Collins) came into the fold, and I think we’ve looked a fitter side and more organised. We’ve also added one or two players and Joe Tait and Kallum Griffiths have both been outstanding for us in the short space of time they have been here and they both defended really well again at Hereford, with some good headers by Joe and one off the line by Kallum.

“They’re vocal in the dressing room and on the pitch and demand certain standards from those around them. They let people know if things aren’t right on the pitch and are probably two players who have been instrumental in Spennymoor’s rise through the leagues.

“They are great lads who are leaders in the dressing rooms and also good footballers, who will benefit York City Football Club having managed to get them here.”