Ryan’s got the ‘buzz’ as he returns between the sticks
Ryan Clarke has dusted off the cobwebs in the last few weeks and hasn’t looked out of place in goal.
The 40-year-old went from first choice to deputy in the summer after agreeing a new coaching role, with Joe Wright’s arrival on loan keeping him on the bench.
But a shoulder injury sustained at Havant & Waterlooville has seen Clarke return to the fold and he doesn’t mind the extra pain, having helped City earn a 2-1 win over Tonbridge Angels. “I’m very stiff,” he laughed. “I could have done without three games in seven days going back in.
“You get that buzz again and a bit of adrenaline going. Preparing on a Friday, stuff like that.
“It’s nice to have that feeling back. I know my role this year – the main bit is coaching, but also ticking over as a player.
“Although you can do as much as you can away from football in terms of keeping fit, it never replicates what you go through in a game. People may think it’s easy in goal at whatever age, but when you’re taking 20-30 goal kicks a game there’s naturally going to be that bit of stiffness.
“Unfortunately, Joe picked up the injury when he was doing well for us.
“I like to think I keep myself in good nick. If I’m needed again, that’s fine. If I’m not, that’s also fine. It’s just about my body adjusting to match situations and recovery afterwards. Physically I feel really good.”
Clarke was powerless to prevent Louis Collins’ opener but the Romans stormed back through goals from Dan Hayfield and Alex Fletcher to seal a well-earned win, to the joy of the City stopper.
“It was enjoyable, I’m happy for the boys,” said Clarke.
“I think we deservedly took the win.
“I thought the manner in which we did it as well was good. We didn’t have a very good start in terms of conceding the goal, but it was against how we were playing.
“We didn’t panic and stuck to the game plan. Thankfully, it paid off.”
It’s Clarke’s first experience of coaching. Having started his career with Bristol Rovers in 2000 as an 18-year-old, he enjoyed spells at 11 clubs before joining City in 2018, where he’s made 143 appearances and kept 48 clean sheets.
His 100th appearance was at the same venue as Saturday – Tonbridge Angels – and he celebrated turning 40 with a win over the Kent club last April at Twerton Park.
The Bristolian has had no issues managing his roles of coaching and playing.
“It’s all been new to me,” said Clarke of coaching.
“Things like communicating with the manager, bouncing ideas off each other has been good.
“In the last week I’ve had to have my game head on. The gaffer knows that and has been very respectful.
“I’ve just been concentrating on the playing side to make sure I’m right for myself, the club and the boys as well to help this season tick along as well as it is.
“We’ve got a great team in there. We’re playing some good stuff, we’ve got some good experience mixed with a couple of young lads.
“They know how to manage games. I don’t need to coach the outfield players, really.
“It’s just about the gaffer giving them the information about the opposition and how we’re going to play, and they take it on board.”
A father of two, Clarke missed one of his sons enjoying his own personal glory on Saturday morning having dropped them off en route to being picked up by the players’ coach.
“My youngest scored the first goal within two minutes of a 6-2 win, so it was a nice day all round,” said Clarke.
“Both of my boys are loving their football at the moment.
“I get to watch their games as much as I can. Obviously, today it was a bit more tricky.
“To hear he scored and his little under-7s team won was nice and gave me a smile as I was walking out today.”
Bath City have been drawn away to Isthmian Premier Billericay Town in the FA Trophy second round. The tie is due to take place next Saturday (November 19).
A supporters’ coach will travel to Essex with sufficient interest. Contact Cheryl Bradley (see supporters’ corner) or reserve a space online via bathcityfcsc.com.
Vicky Goody proved the matchwinner for Wells as City suffered their first defeat in three games.
The midfielder forced the ball home from a corner in a match switched to a 3G surface at Strode College in Street just two hours before kick-off following heavy rain.
Wells defended superbly as City failed to net for the first time since the opening day.
Their final attack saw Emily Bristow denied a stoppage time penalty when she appeared to be bundled over by Izzy Dyer.
Both teams struggled to adjust to a zippy surface before Lucy Nurse made an incredible tip-over save to thwart Tamzin Dunne after Tanea Wright’s lay-off.
Bath stopper Sophie Campbell injured her thumb in a previous save which proved vital as she struggled to grasp Caitlin Baker’s corner soon afterwards, which eventually led to Goody scrambling home from close range.
Olivia Dellow was millimetres away from heading home Paige Owen’s corner and Wright halfvolleyed over when a set-piece wasn’t cleared as City sought a leveller before the break.
The visitors enjoyed a lot of possession in the second half but found chances difficult to come by with the Wells defence near faultless, University of Bath student Abby Grey a key cog at the heart of it.
Bristow lobbed just over after Tara Taylor’s intricate through ball, and she prodded wide after linking up with Esme Fensome down the left.
Matt Abreu’s side laid siege to the home goal in the closing stages. Ceris Evans appeared to be upended outside the box, but as play continued Bristow pounced and was prevented a shot when Dyer’s risky shove was deemed legitimate, with no penalty forthcoming.
The final whistle sparked scenes of delight on the Wells bench. The Romans will look to bounce back on Sunday against Wellington Ladies.