Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has launched a staunch defence of Gateshead FC goalkeeper James Montgomery after the Heed Army shot stopper was criticised for his part in the defining goal in the FA Trophy Final. Defender Louis Storey played a loose ball back to Montgomery on the brink of half-time with Halifax Town winger Jamie Cooke closing down the Gateshead keeper.
Montgomery's clearance looped up and into the back of the net with the Shaymen having to do very little for their winner. Both Storey and the Gateshead goalkeeper have been standout performers in their run to the FA Trophy Final, but a moment of madness will taint that view.
Montgomery in particular was singled out for criticism from BT Sport's commentators, much to the displeasure of Ramsdale. The England international was in attendance to watch the Non-League Finals day with the Heed beaten by a single goal margin, launching a staunch defence of the Gateshead goalkeeper on social media.
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Former Brighton defender Adam Virgo, was on co-commentary for the game and laid the blame at Montgomery's door. He said: "You're looking at Montgomery here, when the ball gets played back to him, there's no real urgency there.
"It's a little bit short but then you see it's short as a goalkeeper you've really got to take the ball, take the player as well. There's slight hesitancy there and you've got to go through that a lot better. Take nothing away from Jamie Cooke and he's followed in well and closed the goalkeeper down and got his rewards."
Ramsdale however, could not disagree more, he said: "Commentator and co commentator should go and do their goalkeeping coaching badges because they are so far off this it’s incredible. Again easy way out by saying it’s the goalkeeper's fault rather than looking at the whole situation."
Former Hartlepool United goalkeeper Scott Loach said: "Come on lads! You really hanging the goalkeeper out to dry for that??"
