Edwin Claims British Record

Edwin van der Sar set a new record for British league football as United secured a vital league win at West Ham.

The Dutchman matched the previous standard for minutes without conceding a goal during the first half at Upton Park. He got there thanks to his fine saves to deny Lucas Neill and Carlton Cole and the gritty defending he's come to expect from his team-mates.

"It's hard work from everybody," said Edwin, when asked for the key to his record.

"I had to make a couple of saves today but the defenders are incredible, how they defend, how they clear the balls... it's a team effort because everybody tracks back.

"It's fantastic record and I'm very happy about it. But what really means a lot at the moment is the win. It was so important, especially after seeing Liverpool win yesterday.

"West Ham away has been a difficult match for us over the years so it's a great result for us to come away from here with three points and another clean sheet.

"The main thing is we're back on top and let's hope we can stay there."

Edwin has now played more than 20 hours of league football without conceding a goal - or 1,212 minutes to be precise. The previous British record holder was Aberdeen goalkeeper Bobby Clark, who kept out the opposition for 1,155 minutes in the Scottish first division in 1970/71. Clark was still at Pittodrie when Sir Alex Ferguson later became Aberdeen boss.