Photo: Tim Norbury
WEYMOUTH’S goalscoring goalkeeper Mark Travers admitted he was “surprised” when he netted the winner on his league debut in the Terras’ 3-2 win at Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday.
Travers, a Republic of Ireland youth international, faked to distribute the ball out wide to Ben Thomson before unleashing a shot from 75-yards that flew over opposite number Nicky Eyre’s despairing dive.
Speaking to Echosport, Travers revealed he had time to consider his options while standing over the free-kick.
He said: “We had a free-kick and obviously it was 2-2 at the time. I just had a think about it and thought I’d have a go.
“I changed my body shape at the last minute and it ended up going in. I couldn’t really ask more than that!
“When it went in I was a bit surprised. Once it went in all the players went over and it was good to celebrate with them.”
Asked whether having positional awareness of their counterparts was a skill young goalkeepers were coached, Travers conceded it wasn’t his “initial thought” and added he had sympathy for Eyre.
“It’s not the first initial thought. But obviously it’s the first time I tried, maybe it could be the last!
“I had a look and it was on, it doesn’t happen in most games in most situations. I was just lucky the opportunity was there on Saturday.
“Obviously if it happened to me it wouldn’t be the nicest. I’m happy with it going in, but I’m sorry for the keeper as well,” he said.
With his first few months at Weymouth behind him, Travers is happy with his start at the club and relishing the chance to improve his game.
He said: “The players and staff have been really good, they have welcomed me. I’ve played a few pre-season games and playing is just bringing my game on.
“It’s a big step up playing men’s football every week, it’s been a good challenge for me. I just hope to keep playing well and see where it takes me in the future and with the next few games as well.”
Travers, who has played under manager Mark Molesley in Bournemouth’s youth setup, also said the chance to work with him was a big factor in his move.
“With working with Mark at Bournemouth it was an easy decision. He’s been great with me and I like his style of football as well.
“I’ve taken a lot of positive with working with him a lot so hopefully that continues,” he said.
