Four Crosses in keeper crisis

Four Crosses boss Nick Popyk has voiced his annoyance at the lack of talented local goalkeepers this week as he faces a shortage between the sticks for the visit of title chasing Montgomery at the weekend.

 

With first choice Chris Ellis out for the season due to travelling and stand-in Mike Barton unavailable, Popyk is also unable to call upon third option Paul Morris who has decided to play in the Oswestry area.

 

Not ideal preparations for a side left without a Spar Division Two fixture for the last three weeks and due to host a team in red hot form.

 

“I’m not really sure at the moment what the solution is,” said Popyk. “I have been looking everywhere but they are thin on the ground. I have even approached clubs to take one on loan but obviously with the numbers of fixtures coming they are reluctant to release anyone.

 

“In fact I may not be in a position to say who will be our goalkeeper until Saturday morning!

 

“As a club that doesn’t pay players, I am hoping the facilities, standard of the league and general rapport of the club will help attract someone in the next 10 days to join what could be a massive couple of months.

 

“I think locally there is a shortage of goalkeepers and it’s hard to know the reasoning behind this – I am however sure that there are keepers out there who are either not currently registered or are finding it hard to get the number 1 jersey at their club. It’s just finding them.”

 

Preparations for Montgomery have been further hindered with an injury to captain Paul Bache with other players also on the treatment table ahead of the big clash.

 

Meanwhile, Guilsfield Reserves used their sixth goalkeeper in as many matches last Saturday when outfield player Phil Turnbull took the gloves. The club has been struck by a bizarre series of events that have seen a string of goalkeepers unavailable. Reasons have ranged from attending the Ashes Tour in Australia to having an ear part-severed in a horror collision. It is not known yet if player-manager Oli Morgan will stick with Turnbull or go for lucky number seven on Saturday!