NORMALLY a clean sheet and an outstanding individual performance against one of the division's better sides would be a cause for celebration, but like most of the Chester players goalkeeper Grant Shenton was disappointed after the Blues' goalless draw with Brackley Town confirmed he and his teammates wouldn't be contesting the play offs this season.

Despite the recent 6-0 home defeat to Stockport, the gloveman has been in fine form of late after a season that has presented its challenges for the former Trafford FC player.

"We defended well against Brackley and it felt at the end that we might snatch it and that would have been a good result for us considering how the other games went for us," said Shenton. "It's been a long season and I'll always make mistakes because that's part and parcel of being a keeper but I wouldn't say I've had bad spells.

"Towards the end of the year I always feel strong because you're playing more games and you're training more so I feel like I'm playing better."

With a number of thrashings, including the 8-1 defeat against Blyth and the 4-0 loss against Altrincham, Shenton has often had to face the criticisms of supporters this season and he admits it has been difficult at times.

"The massive difference for me this year is that I've not read anything written about me," he said. "People have opinions and they're entitled to them which is the beauty of football and some people might think I'm good and some people might think I'm bad but I really don't mind.

"I enjoy playing the game and I think I've had a good season. We've defended for a lot of games and we've had 14 clean sheets and seven of those were 0-0 so it only would have taken one goal in them to get a few more points.

"I've made the odd mistake but I really don't think I've bad - that's just life as a Step 6 keeper."

Despite Chester now being unable to reach the end of season play offs, Shenton is determined that the campaign does not fizzle out at Alfreton on the final weekend.

He said: "You never want to get beaten so it's all about standards and being professional. Alfreton will want to give us a game as well even if it means nothing for them so we'll turn up on Saturday and do a good job."

As for next season, Shenton confirmed he has yet to sit down with joint managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley to discuss his future.

"We've not had a chat and I wouldn't bother them yet," he added. "Some lads are different and want to know what they're doing as soon as possible, but once the season is done then I'll have the conversation.

"I enjoy close season and don't want to put plans into place yet and if the gaffers want to have a chat I'm sure we will but I won't be knocking on the door.

"I'm proud to play for Chester because as a kid they were always in the Football League and were a big club and it's every player's ambition to play as high as you can.

"It's class playing in front of these fans, even if it's a bad game, and I'd definitely like to stay, but let's see what the gaffers say."