The No. 1 Horror Show

 

A local football club could be excused for calling in an exorcist after horror events left two goalkeepers in hospital and have forced them to use five goalkeepers in five games. And they are looking for number six to volunteer for this Saturday!

Debutant Sam Ward (pictured) became the second goalkeeper to be hospitalised with a serious injury on Saturday after part of his right ear was left dangling by a thread following a nasty collision.

Incredibly, he was the fifth goalkeeper in as many games used by Amateur League side Guilsfield Reserves who may now ‘retire’ the yellow shirt worn by the stoppers.

“It has been a bizarre situation,” said manager Dai Walsh. “It is hard enough trying to find one goalkeeper, but six in as many games?”

The drama started when, looking for a replacement for Ashes-bound regular John Gough, Walsh turned to Paul Jones. He lasted an hour into his debut before suffering a frightening clash of heads which left him unconscious for several minutes. He has since returned to hospital suffering from headaches and has been ruled out for a month.

Midfielder Andy Downes took the gloves for the next game – and kept a clean sheet – before handing over to first team goalkeeper Dave Maguire for the midweek trip to Berriew Reserves. That made it four stoppers in four games.

But Walsh’s prayers for a longer-term solution looked to have been answered when Ward was recruited for the weekend match at Llangedwyn. His debut, however, ended in agony as the gruesome injury from his accidental collision left players retching on the sidelines.

“I am not sure how many stitches I’ve had, but I was on the operating table in Shrewsbury Hospital that night!” said Ward, who has been told not to play until after Christmas.

The club could have turned to former first team manager Mike Barton to help out but the ex-Newtown goalkeeper has put pen to paper with Four Crosses this week.

Guilsfield Reserves play in the Village Cup on Saturday hoping for a change in fortune, and, not surprisingly for the manager, not too many volunteers have stepped forward to claim the No 1 shirt!