TOWN skipper Nathan Thompson revealed he was a frustrated figure as he had to watch his fellow defenders come under criticism for their defensive work in his absence.

Returning from his two-match ban to marshal his side at Chesterfield, Thompson oversaw a shut-out as Town were ruthless in a 3-0 win. There were hairy moments for the Robins’ backline. Especially in the first half, as the Spireites’ Dan Gardner caused Jack Stephens problems with his pace and movement.

Thompson though remained calm and led by example with his measured play on the ball and astute positioning when off it.

Afterwards the 23-year-old captain was clearly delighted to have affected such a positive result but admitted his spell in the stands was testing.

“It’s frustrating to see us put in the performances we did, because I felt the last two games were decent and not to come away with a point that maybe we deserved but you learn from those mistakes,” he told the Advertiser.

“I watched from the stands on Saturday and (Colchester) were tending to look up and play big balls over the top. Sometimes if you switch off for that spilt second you can be punished.

“I don’t want to say I’m that important, but at the same time with this young bunch of lads it sometimes needs organising and making sure they’re switched on.

“I certainly did when I was 19/20, I’d watch the play in front of me and maybe not be aware behind the ball. I felt (against Chesterfield), keeping the lads on it all times, you saw the result. I was impressed with them.

“In the last couple of games the team has come in for a little bit of stick and I think (on Tuesday) they proved what very good players they are and I’m very proud of them.”