Crystal Palace youngster on first senior loan spell breaks Exeter City record

Crystal Palace loanee Joe Whitworth made Exeter City history on Thursday evening after surpassing a record set in 1978 and keeping five consecutive clean sheets in the third tier.

The 20-year-old is enjoying a brilliant start to his first senior loan spell away from Selhurst Park and picked up the Man of the Match award following Exeter’s 2-0 win at Shrewsbury – making five saves.

Sky’s post-match graphic showed that Whitworth ranks first in the top four divisions for expected goals prevented, saves and clean sheets. 

Exeter boss Gary Caldwell said: “He’s just doing his job. He’s saving the ball – that’s what he is here to do. I can’t speak highly enough of him. He’s a sensational character. 

“For somebody so young, his mentality and professionalism has been first-class, even earlier in the season when he made a few mistakes, and there were question marks around him. We’ve had 100 per cent belief in him since day one. 

 “I’m delighted that he’s getting the plaudits and obviously making history tonight, keeping five clean sheets in a row in League One, the first time this club has ever done it. We want to create more history this season as well.”