SALISBURY | SHOOT-OUT TO SUCCESS

Ryan Gosney tells us the story of his season

It’s been quite a journey for goalkeeper, Ryan Gosney, this season.

From starting the season looking to help Sholing establish themselves in the Pitching In Southern League Premier South, to ending the campaign having played his part as Salisbury secured promotion via the play-offs.

Monday’s play-off final at AFC Totton went all the way to a penalty shoot-out and was packed full of drama and tension.

“To help Salisbury get back to where they belong has to be the best and proudest moment of my football career,” he told us. “The play-off final was always going to be a cagey affair in what was a huge game for both clubs.

“To be a goal down with only minutes to go both in the semi-final and then final and to come back and win on both occasions, shows the character that we have within the group.

“I quickly saw this character when I joined the club. When we conceded an equaliser late in extra-time, the players were down after putting in such a massive shift, but I just knew it was my time to show everyone why I joined.

“I love penalty shoot-outs! Going first always gives me the chance to get some pressure off our lads and to save the first penalty was massive, it put the pressure onto AFC Totton, then saving the fourth and final penalty, the relief and buzz from everyone was unreal.

“What a season it has been for myself, coming into this League to test myself and show what I can do.

“I was playing well at the start of the season, helping Sholing do what they set out to do and survive at this level following promotion.

“I believe we had the sixth best defensive record in the League at the time I left, which was a great achievement personally considering our position in the table.

“The timing of the move to Salisbury meant that it was a difficult decision to have to make, especially after nine happy years at Sholing.

“Many people said that I wouldn’t leave, but sometimes you have to take a risk and make difficult decisions, which I did and I haven’t looked back.

“Salisbury is a fantastic club with great people. Arriving here with just over a month of the season left meant that I had to settle in quickly. I can’t thank the Gaffer and Callum enough; they, along with the players, staff and fans have welcomed me and my family with open arms and made it easy for me to hit the ground running.

“My first few games were cagey as I was getting used to everyone and how they play, but the last four games I feel as though I have been able to play my usual game.

“If you said to me in the summer that I would get promoted this season, I would have laughed at you, but look, here we are now, promoted into the Vanarama National League South!”

As someone who has been involved both at the top and bottom of the Premier South this term, we asked Ryan for his analysis of the League as a whole.

“This is a tough League,” he replied without hesitation. “Anyone can beat anyone and it showed over the course of the season. It’s not as simple turn up and win, you have to put the work in on and off-the-pitch otherwise you get found out pretty quickly.

“I have enjoyed my season at this level and have learned a lot.”

We congratulate Salisbury on promotion and send our commiserations to AFC Totton.

IMAGE: Salisbury FC

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