Last Saturday I went to watch Wrexham v Torquay and saw something quite rare in modern football, a goalkeeper CATCHING a ball. What made it more remarkable was the weather, which was wet, cold and very windy, with the odd snow shower thrown in for good measure. But, undeterred, Torquay keeper Phil Barnes held several fiercely struck shots and that was instrumental in United extending their unbeaten record to just two defeats in 11 games, with a 1-1 draw. After the game the Gulls` keeper spoke to Brian Beard.
Q:YOU DID WELL TO HOLD ON TO THE BALL WHEN IT WAS FIRED AT YOU, SEVERAL TIMES?
A:Yes, it was quite difficult with the windy conditions but the shots didn`t seriously trouble me. I think we defended pretty well throughout the game but with the pressure they had they were always likely to get one going in and when they did it was right in the bottom corner giving me very little chance. That was a bit disappointing because it would have been nice to have got all three points.
Q:YOU WOULD HAVE DESERVED THE WIN BECAUSE FOR MOST OF THE GAME THE BETTER FOOTBALL WAS COMING FROM TORQUAY?
A:Yes, definitely. I think we tried to pass it but the pitch isn`t the best and the wind didn`t help either. But they played to the conditions and kept lumping the ball forwards and that was always going to create a chance of a goal, which it did.
Q:THERE WERE A LOT OF CHANCES IN THE GAME AND YOU COULD HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 2-0 UP AT THE INTERVAL?
A:It would have been nice to have gone in two up, at the break, it could have sealed the game for us. In the first half, especially, I couldn`t believe the wind, the way it was blowing in our faces. I don`t think I have ever played in conditions that bad, to be honest.
Q:AS FAR AS TORQUAY ARE CONCERNED IT WAS FITTING THAT THE FIRST REAL MOVE OF THE GAME BROUGHT YOU THE LEAD?
A:It was a good move and a good finish. I think our gaffer want us to pass the ball so I think we showed that we can do that. We can definitely get out of the situation we are currently in. we have just got to keep playing and hope that we don`t get games where we have to defend as long as we did today.
Q:THERE WAS ONE PARTICULAR SHOT, LATE ON, WHICH CAME AT YOU LIKE A ROCKET AND YOU DID WELL TO GET YOUR BODY BEHIND THE DRIVE, NOT MUCH CHANCE OF CATCHING THAT ONE?
A:No, I don`t think I had much chance to do anything but get in the way. It was a great. It was strike, especially with the wind behind it as well. It was moving all over the place so I think I did okay to get behind it.
