Clarke marks milestone game with clean sheet
A 40th clean sheet was the perfect way for Ryan Clarke to mark his 100th appearance in goal for Bath City last weekend.
It’s the first time City have started the season with back-to-back shutouts since 2005 and the 39-year-old only faced one shot on target at Longmead.
Despite entering his 23rd season as a goalkeeper, Clarke has no plans to call it a day yet.
“I still think I’ve got another three or four years left,” he said. “I look after myself during the off season.
“I’ve always had a good base fitness. At my age now it’s just about maintaining that.
“Forty clean sheets is not a bad record. I’ve had three great seasons at the club, it’s up there with some of the best I had at Oxford United. The way we do things in terms of professionalism is similar to there.
“Games like today when you’re 1-0 up in the last few minutes are where you feel you really earn your money defensively.
“Tonbridge got into good positions out wide but we defended it quite well. I think it’s the first time in two seasons I’ve seen Tom Smith head away from my penalty area.
“We’re protecting each other and I can just help the boys when the ball is put over Ben (Gerring), which isn’t often.”
Although Jerry Gill voiced concerns that the journey could hamper his side, Clarke was more relaxed about the situation despite being left waiting at Chieveley Services.
“I was on about my sixth coffee there,” he laughed. “I was waiting for instructions on where to be picked up.
“I think some players prefer to just arrive, get a job done and get out. Some don’t want to be hanging around too much before a game.
“It’s been a good start to the season. We’ve set the standard for the next few games and want to keep it up.”