All eyes are on the tense battles at the top and bottom but a less frequently discussed prize up for grabs is the Golden Glove. Ipswich Town’s number one Christian Walton currently tops the clean sheet table on 23 shut-outs but Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper James Trafford is close behind on 22.
Various goalkeepers have impressed in the third tier this season, with some being experienced League One operators and others being young prospects building up their reputations.
Below are the top 13 League One goalkeepers of the current campaign, determined by the minutes per goal against metric. Only goalkeepers with 20 or more appearances to their name have been considered, hence the absence of the likes of Barnsley’s Harry Isted and Plymouth Argyle’s Callum Burton.
Data is courtesy of Transfermarkt.
5. David Stockdale
David Stockdale may have been leapfrogged in the pecking order at Sheffield Wednesday but has still managed 11 clean sheets this season. He has made 24 appearances and conceded every 103 minutes on average. Photo: Gareth Copley/Getty Images
6. Carl Rushworth
Lincoln City's Carl Rushworth has conceded a goal every 97 minutes on average. He has appeared 41 times for the Imps in the league this season and kept 18 clean sheets. Photo: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
7. Maksymilian Stryjek
Maksymilian Stryjek, pictured here in his Livingston days, has kept 16 clean sheets in 40 appearances for Wycombe Wanderers. On average, he has conceded every 95 minutes. Photo: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
8. Brad Collins
Barnsley stopper Brad Collins has conceded a goal every 92 minutes on average, He has made 26 appearances and kept nine clean sheets. Photo: Morgan Harlow/Getty Images