ACCRINGTON Stanley defender Mark Roberts admits it was a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

But, after two successive clean sheets, he is now hoping to cement a place in the Reds defence.

The 24-year-old former Crewe stopper was a regular fixture in the Stanley side since penning a deal in the summer.

However, after almost 30 games under his belt, injury struck and that, combined with a loss in form, has restricted him to roles on the bench or a view from the stand.

Now, with his place back in the side and a new-found confidence, Roberts is wanting to make a place in the Reds defence his own.

He said: "We always say we defend as a team, but as a defender I feel a bit more responsibility. It's not nice to see goals being conceded whether you're in the team or not.

"It's frustrating sitting watching because you want to play every game. But it makes you more determined when you get an opportunity to take it.

"I've been pleased with my performances in the last two games. It was difficult not being in the team, but there's 11 games to go and I want to play in every one."

Reds manager John Coleman has used a whole host of defenders during the club's second season back in the Football League, including Roberts, Graham Branch, Phil Edwards, Phil Doughty, Leam Richardson, Aswad Thomas, Peter Cavanagh, Robbie Williams, Darran Kempson, Sean Webb and Mark King.

And Roberts admits the lack of continuity has been a problem.

He said: "Everyone knows what they're supposed to do and we're all trying to play the same way. It has been difficult, though, with all the different partnerships. It seemed to be changing every week, but everyone playing in that position was trying their best and trying to make the spot their own."

Before the win over Brentford at the end of February, the last time Stanley kept a clean sheet was back in November when they drew a blank against tomorrow's opponents Hereford at the Edgar Street Athletic Ground.

Roberts believes that was a game that was there for the taking and he's hoping to exact revenge against Graham Turner's side, who are currently occupying one of the play-off places for promotion.

He said: "Obviously it's going to be a difficult game against one of the top teams in the league.

"But we got a good result against them earlier in the season and we could have won the game. We're not scared of anyone."