Beware The Goat

From the archive, first published Saturday 10th Sep 2005.

SHAUN Goater's Indian summer spells danger for Town with Andy Gurney warning that Town must not allow themselves to be pushed any further adrift of the leading pack.

There were reports that the Shrimpers' 35-year-old forward was planning to retire after leaving Reading in the close season but Roots Hall boss Steve Tilson persuaded the player to pen a one-year deal with the Essex club.

During the mid-nineties the pair were on opposite sides of the Bristol divide, Goater at City and Gurney with Rovers.

The duo also came face to face when Town crashed at Manchester City in an FA Cup tie at Maine Road in January 2002.

Gurney said: "He's someone who's always scored goals wherever he's been so he's got to be watched."

Goater is already off the mark for the Shrimpers this year and seems to be revelling in the twilight stage of his career.

Gurney (pictured) said: "He's probably playing without pressure in a sense but I don't think we've defended too badly in the last couple of games.

"We weren't too far away at either Tranmere or Walsall.

"We'll be looking for a clean sheet and hopefully tuck away some chances at the other end.

"Three points are massive because you don't want people pulling too far away from you and finding yourself stuck at the wrong end of the table.

"It is early days but you have to start getting points on the board sooner rather than later.

"I think we're only seven points behind the top teams so you're talking a couple of wins and you're back in the pack.

"Still, you have to get those two wins it's no good just talking about them.

"An early goal would be nice and hopefully we can do that and give the crowd something to cheer."

Gurney captained the side at Walsall in the absence of Sean O'Hanlon.

He was surprised and flattered to be handed the responsibility, a role he held in the past when a permanent member of the Town squad.

He said: "Sean being injured was the only reason but it was very nice to be given the opportunity. There's obviously quite a few young lads in the squad."

Town's under 18s entertain Bristol Rovers today in the Youth Alliance League (11am).

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