PRESENTATION: Reusch NWCFL First Division North Goalkeeper of October
Wed 13th November 2019 | League Awards | By Craig Kendall
The Reusch NWCFL First Division North Goalkeeper of October was Emley AFC's George Clarke and he was presented last weekend with the award by NWCFL Director Ian Williams.
Clarke played six games in October and kept one clean sheet during that time, which saw Emley unbeaten during the month as they finished inside the promotion places.
Reason for Nomination: "Our nomination for Goalkeeper of the Month is George Clarke Emley AFC are unbeaten in October with five wins and a draw. This has seen progress in the
Playermatch.com Cup, Macron Cup and moved Emley up to second in the Division One North table. George Clarke has been crucial in that successful month – including picking up a MOTM. He has played in every game since the start of the season and is developing all the time.
"Many supporters – Emley or otherwise – struggle to accept he is just 19 years old. Goalkeepers traditionally reach their prime later than outfield players. He is still learning and progressing but his rise has been exceptional. Although we are second in the league, some games have been far from comfortable wins and often we can reflect on a 'worldie' save from George that has saved us from dropping point. Our 2-2 draw with Bacup is an excellent example. A tough game on a poor surface meant our usual free-flowing football was stuttering. At 2-1 down, it looked to be nailed on that the Bacup striker would finish into an empty net. With a cross from the byline, with George covering his near post, he managed to recover across his goal line and save one-handed a well-placed and strong shot. It was amazing but not untypical.
"Off the field, a more mature 19 years old you're unlikely to meet. He is quick to recognise any errors he makes – there are few, but they hurt him. He always thanks supporters for their encouragement both in person and on social media. After home games, George returns from the post-match debrief and always has a kick about or penalty shoot out with the young Emley supporters (the Emley Ultras!). They love it and they love him for it. Touches like that are as important as his performances."
PRESENTATION: Reusch NWCFL First Division North Goalkeeper of October
Wed 13th November 2019 | League Awards
By Craig Kendall
The Reusch NWCFL First Division North Goalkeeper of October was Emley AFC's George Clarke and he was presented last weekend with the award by NWCFL Director Ian Williams.
Clarke played six games in October and kept one clean sheet during that time, which saw Emley unbeaten during the month as they finished inside the promotion places.
Reason for Nomination: "Our nomination for Goalkeeper of the Month is George Clarke Emley AFC are unbeaten in October with five wins and a draw. This has seen progress in the
Playermatch.com Cup, Macron Cup and moved Emley up to second in the Division One North table. George Clarke has been crucial in that successful month – including picking up a MOTM. He has played in every game since the start of the season and is developing all the time.
"Many supporters – Emley or otherwise – struggle to accept he is just 19 years old. Goalkeepers traditionally reach their prime later than outfield players. He is still learning and progressing but his rise has been exceptional. Although we are second in the league, some games have been far from comfortable wins and often we can reflect on a 'worldie' save from George that has saved us from dropping point. Our 2-2 draw with Bacup is an excellent example. A tough game on a poor surface meant our usual free-flowing football was stuttering. At 2-1 down, it looked to be nailed on that the Bacup striker would finish into an empty net. With a cross from the byline, with George covering his near post, he managed to recover across his goal line and save one-handed a well-placed and strong shot. It was amazing but not untypical.
"Off the field, a more mature 19 years old you're unlikely to meet. He is quick to recognise any errors he makes – there are few, but they hurt him. He always thanks supporters for their encouragement both in person and on social media. After home games, George returns from the post-match debrief and always has a kick about or penalty shoot out with the young Emley supporters (the Emley Ultras!). They love it and they love him for it. Touches like that are as important as his performances."