PERSHORE Town will have to make the most of the unexpected return of last season’s top scorer Jamie Clarke before he jets off to the US.
Manager Quentin Townsend had not planned for the presence of Clarke, who netted 18 goals last season, in his squad as the striker prepares for a new life in Miami.
But Clarke, fresh from playing in the Deaflympics, told Townsend he wanted to play and he has already netted in Town’s opening two games of the season.
However, the one-time Evesham United, Studley and Littleton forward will only be available for six weeks before he heads across the Atlantic.
“We also knew Jamie was going to America and I didn’t expect to have him involved at all,” said Townsend.
“He came back from the Deaflympics where he was joint top scorer with six goals and he wanted to play. His record speaks for itself – he has scored a goal every other game over his career.
“We’ll have for six weeks before he heads off to Miami and that means he can play 10 or 12 games.”
Clarke and fellow forwards Michael Wright and Danny Priest have all opened their goals account as Pershore defeated Heather St John’s 4-2 in last Saturday’s Midland League Division One opener but lost 4-3 at home to Studley on Tuesday.
Townsend admits the first two matches have been mixed and he stressed they need to learn a few lessons as Pershore head to Bolehall Swifts tomorrow (Saturday).
“On Saturday, I was really really pleased. Apart from a mad ten-minute spell when we conceded two goals, I felt we were in control of the game.
“Tuesday was frustrating. We showed a lot of character after going one goal down and then 2-1 so to concede in the 93rd minute really hurt. We need to learn to see out games.
“The manner of the goals we conceded was disappointing.”
On Tuesday, they meet visitors Tenbury United in the Smedley Crooke Memorial Cup.