Sergio Goater On Unbeaten Streak & More
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Sergio Goater is yet to lose a match as coach of Hamilton Parish since taking charge of the First Division side at the start of last season.
Parish lead the standings with ten wins from 11 matches, seven points ahead of second-place BAA with seven league games of the campaign remaining.
They are also unbeaten in cup competition, having reached the Shield quarter-finals and the FA Cup first round, where they will face Somerset Trojans at Somerset Cricket Club tonight.
Parish were also top of the table when the First Division season was discontinued last December and cancelled three months later because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Goater, however, baulks at talk of his side finishing the campaign as “invincibles” and is merely concerned with securing promotion to the top flight by winning the title.
“All of the undefeated stuff is just a bonus,” Goater told Bernews. “My responsibility is to get us into the Premier Division and then keep us there.
“We don’t want to get there and come back down.
“As long as we’re organised and fit, I believe we can at least maintain our top-flight status should we get promoted.”
The 47-year-old said he fully expected Parish to mount a title challenge this term after their superb start to last season.
“I had a basis of what to expect from our performances last season before the cancellation because of Covid,” said the former North Village forward.
“I knew the other teams would strengthen; however, I always expected us to be there or thereabouts. It’s gone better than I had expected.
“We have some quality players, and I’ve tried to bring some organisation to the team. The players have bought into what I’m trying to do and how I want to play.”
Among the players leading the charge for Parish are wide man Jordan Outerbridge, the league’s top scorer with 11 goals, and forward Macquille Walker, who has netted five times this season.
“Jordan is a gifted footballer, but he also puts in a lot of work,” said Goater, who previously coached St David’s.
“Macquille is a top striker. He’s hasn’t scored as many goals as he should have, but he has an exceptional touch and can hold the ball up. He’s been key for us.”
Parish have experienced a frustrating few weeks after having several matches postponed due to floodlight issues or a lack of officials.
He is unsure whether tonight’s match will go ahead after a work stoppage by referees following the abuse of officials at matches last weekend.
“We have to keep focused, and I’ve told the players that we haven’t won a thing yet,” Goater added.
“We haven’t had a proper match for about three weeks, so it’s been frustrating.
“Trojans will be a good test. It will give us an insight into the Premier Division standard.”
