There's much to be said for Bristol City's defence this season and let's be honest, there's not a lot to shout home about.
No supporter needs reminding, especially first thing in the morning, about the number of goals shipped in this season - 63 in 35 games for those who haven't already covered their eyes.
And just to make sure you choke on your morning coffee if you haven't already, 22 of those have come in the last eight league away matches.
Fortunately, this article will focus on the City defenders coming through the ranks and the good news is there is certainly more than a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
As the Young Robins lined up against rivals Cardiff yesterday afternoon, it was a strong starting line-up that included the likes of Nahki Wells, Tommy Conway and Josh Owers.
However, it was the defence that caught the attention, particularly with the return of Ryley Towler at the back following his return from an injury picked up following the 3-2 victory over Millwall at the beginning of January.
The 20-year-old started in the centre of a back three that included Duncan Idehen to his left and the highly-rated Callum Wood starting to his right.
Considering Nigel Pearson's potential dilemma at the back building up to the Birmingham game, yesterday could have been an opportunity for one player to make a statement in an attempt to force their way onto the substitute bench at least.
Tomas Kalas limped off at the weekend and his injury will be assessed throughout the week. If he is absent, City could be scraping the barrel for defenders with Robbie Cundy in line to make his full club debut.
Idehen proved away at Swansea that there is an opportunity to make the bench and Pearson has always been fair and honest in handing his youth players a chance if they deserve it. For example, Sam Bell has recently started at right wing-back in home matches against Middlesbrough and Coventry.
So here's how they fared as City ran out impressive 3-1 victors in the chilly Welsh weather.
Duncan Idehen
Judging by his appearance on the bench away at Swansea, you'd get the feeling the former Grimsby man is perhaps the closest to making a breakthrough in the first team.
His afternoon didn't particularly get off to the finest of starts when he brought down his opponent in the box to concede a penalty early on. Harvey Wiles-Richards spared his blushes, saving the spot-kick before Tommy Conway went up the other end to open the scoring.
Idehen's confidence was certainly not knocked and he responded by putting in an assured display. What is most striking is his physicality and ability to bring the ball out of defence.
On numerous occasions, particularly in the first half, he stepped into the challenge, winning the ball back high up the field and distributing it to his team-mate.
Another major advantage to his game is his aerial threat in both boxes. He scored in his last outing, a 4-0 victory over Millwall, and his team-mates were certainly trying to target him aerially from corners.
Idehen moved into the centre of the back three in the second half and was instrumental in keeping Cardiff's strikers quiet for long periods. Their No9 in particular was growing increasingly frustrated as the contest went on which became evident when he had a pop at his manager standing in the dugout.
The 19-year-old read the game well and appears to be growing in confidence following his dominating performance against Millwall last week.
If there's one criticism to his game, he's prone to a rash decision every now and again. Before signing a short-term deal at The Robins, he was on trial at Birmingham but was sent off in an opening match against Wolves early on which their Academy coach Paul Williams admitted did him no favours.
However, City obviously see something in his game that was worthy of a deal until the end of the season and it will be interesting to determine whether he gets another sniff at the first-team between now and the end of the campaign.
Ryley Towler
It was a welcome return for Towler who has been struggling with a back injury in which Pearson has previously put down to his age.
Unfortunately for the talent, it was cut short after just 44 minutes when he was forced off with what appeared to look like a groin injury.
Towler won a duel on his own byline but sat on the turf just moments later as Zac Bell wasted little time getting his training gear off to replace him.
How serious it remains unknown but considering his recent injury, it would have been wise not to risk him even if it was a minor niggle.
Towler could be excused for looking a little rusty when the game got underway and there were one or two heavy touches without any consequence.
But he soon got into his groove playing through the centre and barely gave the Cardiff strikers a sniff as he looked to make up for lost time on the pitch.
Towler is certainly one for the future, his inclusion against Millwall in the Championship certainly proved the point that City rate him highly. He was on loan with Grimbsy in the first half of the campaign but was recalled in December after making 14 appearances.
In his brief cameo, Towler showed what he's about. His towering frame gives the impression that he intimidates his opponents and he has the strength to knock players off their feet - on two occasions he flattened the Cardiff striker in the first half.
If Towler can keep himself fit, there's no reason why he shouldn't be playing more of a role in the first-team next season, particularly with the current predicament of the backline.
Timm Klose has been a solid signing on a free transfer, but he'll be 34 by the time next season kicks off and he is enjoying the twilight of his career. With Kalas, he's one of the club's highest earners and considering the financial state of City, there may be a question mark whether the money could be better invested elsewhere.
Cundy's contract also expires at the end of the season so opportunity could knock for the centre-back.
Callum Wood
He's another talent who returned to City from a loan spell during the first half of the campaign after representing Non-League Bath City.
Wood, 19, played 14 times before coming back to Bristol and now he'll be hoping to show what he's learned in the school of hard knocks on his return to BS3.
Wood started on the right of the back three and he was the standout figure in a dominant performance. He switched over to the left in the second half highlighting his versatility and didn't look out of place.
As a 16-year-old, Wood was plying his trade with Cinderford and has already spoken openly about how playing as a boy amongst men has helped his development on the field.
While Wood would need to improve his physicality before making the step up, he showed plenty of glimpses to suggest that technically he is certainly a player to keep an eye on over the next year or two.
He always looked for the short pass, ensuring City maintained the possession by building from the back. It was his first U23 appearance since the 1-1 draw with Millwall in November - where he got himself on the scoresheet.
It's impossible to judge his potential in one match and against a side who posed little threat in front of goal, but Wood can rest assured that he is on the right path.
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