Walsall skipper James Clarke hoping to add more goals

Despite being 29 years old and in the prime of his career, centre-back Clarke only netted his first professional goal last season.

He scored in the fourth minute of the game in a 2-1 away win at Wycombe Wanderers, playing for Bristol Rovers under now-Walsall manager Darrell Clarke, before scoring a dramatic injury time winner at home to Fleetwood Town.

Previously in his career he’d turned out for Oxford United, Oxford City, Salisbury City and Woking, joining Bristol Rovers in 2015 - but didn’t score until 2018.

Now, as Walsall skipper, he’s already secured the club six points with the winning goals in tight victories over Northampton and Scunthorpe and he’s looking to add to his tally this season.

“I’ve always stayed at the back and never really gone up to get some headers,” Clarke said.

“But in the last couple of seasons the gaffer has let me go up and I’ve managed to get a few goals.”

The Scunthorpe goal was one to remember as the towering defender leaped highest to produce a spectacular overhead kick.

“If I told you that I’ve been practising them I’d be lying so it’s instinct I guess,” he added.

“I’m not renowned for scoring so it’s something to look back on.

“Danny’s (Guthrie) done extremely well to get round the lad and get to the by-line and dink it in.

“It was a little bit behind me so opted with the foot – or the shin, and luckily it’s come off for me.

“As it happened I didn’t see it go in, I’ve seen on the replay that I’ve hit it down into the ground. I think the bounce caught the keeper off guard.

“I was debating taking my shirt off but I thought I’ll probably need that yellow.”