Hampton & Richmond Borough centre-back Rob Paris has admitted the form of midfielder Elliott Godfrey could be key to any promotion charge this season.
The 29-year-old defender is back at the Beveree after making his international debut for
Anguilla, missing the Beavers' 3-2 triumph over Bromley and a 2-2 draw at Newport Godfrey, a former Watford trainee, has bagged 13 league goals so far in this campaign, as Hampton have rocketed into the Blue Square South top five after winning promotion last season.
His latest strike came in Saturday's 2-1 win at Maidenhead United, when Ian Hodges also netted.
And Paris, who missed the weekend's match through injury, believes his team would be missing something special without him.
"He is one of the best players I have played with. He can do something special when you need it most," he said.
"Elliott is one of those players who, no matter how fast the game is, always has time because his first touch is so good.
"We need to start going on a run but, with a small squad, it is difficult once you pick up injuries, as we have seen in recent weeks."
The likes of Godfrey have made Hampton one of the most entertaining teams to watch this season, and the division's top scorers have netted 34 goals at home.
But Paris reserved a special mention for defensive partner Orlando Jeffrey's impact since returning to the Beveree at the start of the season.
"A lot of people questioned whether he still had it, but has proved them wrong by being one of our best and most consistent performers this year," he added.
02-21-2008, 08:23 PM
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