Watkins rates Romans side the best of Twerton career
Andy Watkins was thrust into the Bath City side and was happy to be back despite defeat to Concord Rangers. Although he had not started in five months - not since the September win over Oxford City - the attacker felt satisfied with his fitness levels after recovering from a sports hernia. “It felt good, it was great to be back and get the first start today, pleasing to get back on the pitch,” he said. “It’s been a long time coming, a long road back to fitness with a few setbacks in the way. “It was really good to be out there with the boys again.” His return coincided with a narrow loss in Essex, as two early Alex Wall goals did the job for Concord, though Sean Rigg pulled back one late goal for the Romans. “Obviously a disappointing day in terms of the result,” Watkins reflected. “The game was similar to last week. We’ve spoken quite openly in the changing room after, a couple of mistakes have led to a goal today and last week, meaning we’re on the back foot and chasing the game. “Concord have done a good job, keep a clean sheet until the last few minutes. “I thought we played well, though. We were on the front foot, had a lot of possession. Created some good chances. “We can take the positives from it and just need to win our next two home games now. However, Cornishman Watkins had a perfect view of the first-half penalty incident when Sam Blackman appeared to handled on the line as City sought a route back. “I’ve hit it with my knee and it’s just rolled up his knee and he’s clawed it out,” said the 33-year-old. “He was quite open about it speaking to his team-mates after half-time about it. “It was blatant. The ref’s said he didn’t see it. You’ve got to accept that at the end of the day but it’s really frustrating because it was a clear penalty. “Ultimately it probably would have been a red card and put us back into the game.” Watkins explained his injury ordeal, leaving him on the sidelines for almost four months. “I picked up a hernia mid-september, had the operation end of October. There was a complication with the operation, it got infected, so I was back in hospital for a week. “Then there was a long recuperation period, it took two or three months to get back to fitness. “The gaffer was in touch quite a bit, then we’ve got Hudl to watch games back and receive feedback. “As soon as I was back and ready to come I’d watch the lads, support them as much as I can.” His absence coincided with City’s rise up the National League South standings, with the club’s second all-time leading scorer in National League South admiring his team’s progress. He feels it was the best side he’s been part of since arriving in Somerset. “I think so,” he said. “The league position tells that. “They had an unbelievable run. Hopefully we can go on another one now, keep in those play-offs at the end of the season. “I think we’ve got a great blend of youth and experience, likes of Kev [Amankwaah] and Ryan Clarke who’ve been around for a long time with younger lads plying their trade. “The changing room is brilliant, everyone gets on really well. That’s probably shown on the pitch. “Off the pitch as well the club has been very supportive of the lads. The crowds have been great, it does feel like a real buzz around the stadium. “Hopefully we can complement that with a play-off spot at the end of the season.” Watkins made his comeback as a late substitute at Dulwich in January. His third outing of the year was the home match with Torquay United, one which will live long in his memory. “That was a great day, you don’t get many of them,” he said. “It was nice to come on. “We could have gone 3-1 down with the pen, then the two late goals made it an amazing day, one that’ll stick in my mind for a long time. “Hopefully we can have a few more of them before the end of the season.” Saturday saw him make his 220th appearance for the club, having arrived in 2013. Only Sekani Simpson and Dan Ball have recorded more than his 185 outings in National League South, with Dave Pratt the only person to score more goals. Such records the 34-year-old didn’t think possible to overcome when he arrived from Truro City. “When I signed, I thought I might be here for one, maybe two years.” he said. “Obviously, I’ve done a good enough job to stay here, whichever manager has been here have wanted to keep me on. I’ve been lucky in that respect. “I haven’t had too many serious injuries, most of them have been off-season. The place is great; I get on really well with the lads.” Watkins, a PE Teacher away from football, is still based in Launceston, which makes his lengthy stay more remarkable. “The traveling is a bit of a stretch at times but it’s sort of second nature now. “My mum and dad come up, they’re very supportive. Very good with the traveling, and have helped me out. Without them I wouldn’t be able to do it. “I love the place. It’s a great club.”