Will Goodwin has been commended by Cheltenham boss Darrell Clarke after he netted twice in their 3-2 defeat to Blackpool in midweek.
The 21-year-old became the League One bottom side’s top scorer so far this season with his brace. Despite the defeat, it was a bright spark in what has been a very poor start for Cheltenham this season.
Ahead of the visit to Port Vale this weekend, Robins boss Clarke spoke highly of Goodwin, saying: “He hasn’t had many minutes, so he is going to get better the more he plays. Nines like Goodwin are few and far between, so if he can produce consistent levels of performance, the world’s his again.”
After being in the Stoke City youth setup, Goodwin joined Cheltenham in January. Before last Tuesday night, he had scored six goals for Torquay United in the National League last season, before being snapped up by the Robins.
The Gulls ultimately went down, who are still being managed by former Cheltenham boss Gary Johnson. His only other Football League goal came for Hartlepool United in the 21/22 season. Clarke reiterated how important it is for Goodwin to get his goalscoring confidence back.
He said: “He’s looking to bounce himself back a bit, and he’ll do that by performing week in week out. Streety (Rob Street) scored a couple of weeks ago, Lloydy’s (George Lloyd) coming back into it.
“(Aidan) Keena will get going again, so you know we’ve got four good centre forwards competing for the two positions.” Clarke concluded.
Robins teammate Elliot Bonds also praised Goodwin, saying: “He’s buzzing. The boys are so happy for him, not so much in his celebration because we were losing.
“We know how hard he’s worked, and how tough it’s been on a personal note, especially with injuries.” Bonds stated.
Bonds, Goodwin, Clarke and the squad will be hoping for a second win of the season as they make the trip to Staffordshire at 3pm on Saturday October 28, as they look to continue their improved form seen since the former Vale boss’ arrival last month.
