With three goals in his professional career at the age of 30, Craig Hinton could hardly be described as prolific. However, for the Bristol Rovers centre half, life definitely begins at 30 as he has hit a rich vein of form and bagged four goals in his last six appearances for the Pirates. He obviously didn't celebrate his 30th birthday on Monday, November 26 last year as he opened the floodgates against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup and has since notched against Rushden and Diamonds (FA Cup), Carlisle United (League One) and last Saturday at Fulham in an FA Cup cracker. The Gasheads recorded a 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage against Premier League opposition and their league form has improved as well. Although only sitting three points clear of the relegation zone in 19th position, they have taken seven points from the last three games, to leave them in with a good chance of surviving in their first season at this level. Givemefootball's Ian Clarkson spoke exclusively to Hinton about his sudden prowess in front of goal and of what lies in store for the end of season run in.
Q:CAN YOU TALK ME THROUGH YOUR GOAL AGAINST FULHAM AS YOUR FACE WAS PLASTERED ALL OVER THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPERS ON MONDAY MORNING?
A:Where do I start? I rose like a salmon at the near post and left their goalkeeper with no chance! This goalscoring lark is easy now!
Q:WHAT HAS HAPPENED – YOU SEEM TO HAVE THE MIDAS TOUCH IN FRONT OF GOAL?
A:I can't believe it as I have scored four goals in my last six appearances. The first one came against Leyton Orient, which was a half volley and I wasn't really sure what to do in terms of a celebration. The second one against Rushden was a far post header and the third one against Carlisle was a bit cheeky really. Chris Lines had a shot and it deflected in off me but I am claiming it! Finally, the goal against Fulham was my first one away from home for the club and it was a great day all round.
Q:IT WAS A GREAT RESULT AT CRAVEN COTTAGE – CAN YOU PULL OFF A SHOCK IN THE REPLAY?
A:We can certainly take confidence from the result at Fulham and I thought we did fairly well. There were 7,000 of our fans there, which was a fantastic effort, and ensured the crowd was about a 50-50 split. We got an early goal and that settled our nerves and that undoubtedly helped us. However, they have some quality players like Seol Ki-Hyeon who came on as a substitute. He was really tricky and we rode our luck at times but I am sure we will give it our best shot in the replay.
Q:AND NOW BRISTOL ROVERS HAVE DISCOVERED THEIR SECRET GOALSCORING WEAPON AS WELL?
A:The lads don't want me to score any more as they are sick of hearing me talk about it! Also, it has cost my dad a few quid as he has promised to give me £50 every time I score. It has been a safe bet over the years but I think he might have to renegotiate now.
Q:IT HAS BEEN A DIFFICULT FIRST SEASON BACK AT THIS LEVEL FOR THE CLUB HASN'T IT?
A:We have been making progress recently and beaten teams like Carlisle and Southend. Whenever we have lost this season we don’t feel like anyone has ever destroyed us. There have been times when we have been sloppy but we haven't always had huge slices of luck and have played well in games without getting the results we deserve. However, we need to consolidate this season and I think the supporters will be happy with that as they are still pleased with last season’s exploits. We reached the final of the Johnstone's Paints Trophy and won promotion, so they have been very understanding.
Q:WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
A:I would love to stay at Bristol Rovers but my contract expires in the summer, so we will have to wait and see what the future holds. Ideally, I would stay at the club and we can push on to try and get in the same league as Bristol City as I think that would be good for the area. I am basically playing for my future at the club over the next five months.
