Non-League Paper Programme: When outfield players answer the call in goal

By Matt Badcock

There’s something about seeing an outfield player having to go in goal that always sticks in the memory.

Be it for an injury or a red card, the sight of a big defender – or even a slight midfielder – reluctantly standing between the posts can liven up even the dullest of games.

Perhaps it’s the oversized top and gloves, mixed with the emergency stopper’s shorts and socks. Maybe it’s that every cross into the box seems to be laced with added jeopardy.

In my case, it’s happening to be at a game when the volunteer even saves a penalty as Niall Quinn once did for Manchester City!

Appreciation

Whether it’s clearing routine low shots with a cultured hoof rather than a comfortable two hands – surely anyone who does it comes out with an appreciation of what it’s like to actually be a goalkeeper.

As we all know, it’s a position where any mistake is in the full glare of everyone watching and tends to end up in the net.

It came to mind after a story we carried in last Sunday’s NLP about Clevedon Town striker Sam Beresford – he played in goal for two different teams, only three weeks apart!

Beresford was called upon for what proved to be his final game for Bridgwater United when goalkeeper Ben John was forced off injured at half-time in a match against Helston Athletic.

With no keeper on the bench, Beresford, a summer signing from Clevedon, took the gloves and did enough to earn Bridgwater a 3-2 win.

Front man Beresford then left United to re-join Clevedon in September and returned to the day job, adding two goals in ten games to his previous Clevedon tally of 46 in 85.

Heroics

But the striker was soon back in unfamiliar(ish) territory a week recently when the Western League leaders took on Wellington.

Goalkeeper Jacob Glover was forced to leave the field after only 18 minutes of his Seasiders debut when he injured his shoulder trying to prevent Wellington scoring.

Beresford took the gloves and pulled off a string of fine saves to keep the visitors at bay, earning him man of the match honours.

Beresford’s heroics went on to help secure the Seasiders a 3-1 win, but managers Nic Steadman and Jamie Smith will be banking on him to score the goals, rather than keep them out! 

READ MORE: Non-League Paper Programme: The unsung volunteers keeping Non-League alive through wind and rain