They say that class is permanent and having played his 500th game for the club at the weekend, Jack Crago was back on the goal trail on Tuesday evening as his brace earned Tavistock AFC a good 2-0 away victory at Mousehole AFC.
“When I first started out, I never expected that I would get to this kind of milestone,” the likeable Crago admitted to us. “It’s such a special moment for me; I am extremely grateful and proud that I have had the opportunity to achieve this.
“It’s becoming increasingly rare for players to play this many games for one club these days as they tend to move around a lot.
“I’ve tried to not move about as much as some others do and I always end up finding my way back here!
“My debut for the club came 14 years ago now, but I don’t remember too much about it, to be honest. I just remember being this skinny kid thrown into men’s football and finding it both interesting and a little bit daunting all at the same time.
“There are so many memories over the years; I’ve been fortunate to play alongside some real characters here. I’ve also been blessed to enjoy a few FA Cup runs, which is always a special competition to be involved in.”
It’s been a stuttering start to the season for the Devon outfit so far with two wins and five defeats from their seven Pitching In Southern League Division One South games.
“We’ve started slower than we would have liked,” he admitted. “We’ve got a young group and I’ve taken on more of a mentoring role to them this season.
“There are a number of lads here who’ve never played men’s football before and I am drawing on my own experience to help them. There’s no doubt about the talent we have here and I think they are learning and growing with every game we play.
“I know we will come good and Tuesday’s result is a big step forward for us. It was a perfect response to the disappointing result we had at the weekend against Willand Rovers and hopefully we can kick on from here now.
“This League has always been difficult; I am lucky enough to have won it in the past, so I know what it takes to be successful at this level. No matter who you come up against it’s difficult and physical.
“In terms of our aims for the season, we want to ensure that first and foremost we retain our place at Step 4. We’re in the lower reaches of the table at the moment and we’re working extremely hard to start moving in the right direction and be able to develop and learning.
“It’s a cliché, but we’re taking it a game at a time.”
That next game comes in the form of a Devon derby at home to Exmouth Town on Saturday.
IMAGE: DC - Tavistock AFC
Most clubs are looking for volunteers. Find out more on the button below:
www.PitchingInVolunteers.co.ukAll the news and results in one place.
REGISTER