Swifts stopper Mark in it for the long run
Goalie determined to stick around
Jeanfield Swifts goalkeeper Mark Mitchell is planning on making up for lost time.
Football was sidelined for large chunks of 2020 and into this year due to the pandemic.
But with East of Scotland League action now very much under way this season, Mitchell’s desire to extend his career is stronger than ever.
The 36-year-old shotstopper wants to remain between the posts for the Perth club for as long as possible.
“I’m getting on now and will be 37 in October,” he smiled.
“I feel I’ve had a year taken off me in football with the whole COVID situation.
“So I’m determined to play as long as I can. Goalkeepers usually have a bit longer - if they look after themselves more than I do!
“People keep pointing out to me the age of Allan McGregor but he certainly looks after himself better than me.
“But I’ll try and keep as fit as I possibly can.”
Mitchell has certainly looked sprightly in recent weeks for the Riverside club keeping three clean sheets on the bounce.
The shutouts against
Newtongrange Star, Whitehill Welfare and most recently Dunbar United on Saturday have been most welcome.
“The first game of the season against Blackburn United felt like nothing went for us,” Mitchell said.
“We were well beaten and didn’t deserve anything from it.
“It was a slow start but we’ve been much better with three clean sheets and three wins, so we’re getting up to match speed.
“It has made up for the first couple of games where I conceded six goals. That was horrendous.
“Nobody needs to tell me if I’m having a bad game and
I’m probably harder on myself than what anyone else is.
“Sometimes I will hold my hands up for a goal and then the gaffer will say that nobody thought it was my fault.
“A lot of the games are recorded so you review and go over it. If you’ve had a bad game, it plays in your head the whole weekend.
“I shouldn’t be as hard on myself. The weekend is ruined if we don’t get a result.
“But the boys in front of me have been absolutely brilliant the last few games. It’s not just down to me.
“I’m feeling good. The aches and pains aren’t as sore when you get a win. That makes them feel a bit better.”
A potentially seasondefining run of fixtures is coming up for Swifts, starting away at Musselburgh Athletic on Saturday.
“Musselburgh is always a hard place to go and they are undefeated this season,” Mitchell told the PA.
“They had a good win at the weekend away at Dundonald.
“The next few weeks are going to be really tough with Musselburgh, Tranent and then Penicuik. It’s going to be massive for us.
“These are the games you want to play in and test yourself. We won’t be far away.”
Fellow East of Scotland League clubs Kinnoull and Luncarty are both in Alex Jack Cup first round action tomorrow afternoon.
Kinnoull are on home soil and welcome Newburgh to Tulloch Park, while Luncarty hit the road to take on Craigroyston.