Former Trinidad and Tobago international and England based goalkeeper Clayton Ince, currently outfits a broad smile with Ma Pau SC after helping the Woodbrook based TT Pro League club to the Final of the 2010-2011 Toyota Classic Final.
The 38 yearold joined Ma Pau late last year under coaches Michael McComie and Angus Eve as assistant coach/player but made his first start between the uprights in the Toyota Classic Round of 16 with a 3-0 win against FC SouthEnd on Friday 11 February.
Four days later (Tuesday 15 February) the former Crewe Alexandra and Walsall goalie rescued his side to a 5-4 penalty win over Caledonia AIA in the quarterfinal round and most recently, the towering figure was again the hero between the uprights with another 5-4 win on penalties after a 2-2 draw against San Juan Jabloteh in the semi-final round.
“I’m enjoying it,” Ince said following Friday’s semi-final win which puts his side in the Final of the Toyota Classic on Friday 25 February at the Marvin Lee Stadium against DIRECTV North East Stars from 8pm.
“That’s the most important thing as a player, to enjoy the game,” continued the former Defence Force goalie.
“(Michael) McComie put me out there to share my experience and prove that you’re never too old to enjoy it, so I’m doing it.”
Ince reminded that his career as a player isn’t over adding, “I’m not at the end of my career.
“I told people that I’ve retired from English football, but not from local (Trinidad and Tobago) football and I’m back to share knowledge and help the youngsters. I think that I’ve joined the right club with McComie and Angus.”
Speaking on his team’s comeback against Jabloteh after being down by two goals to subsequently winning the match 5-4 on penalties, Ince said, “Our team played with a lot of spirit and heart. We really wanted it. The guys want to achieve something this season and here we are in the Final.
“My thing was simple (when it was down to kicks from the penalty mark). Go out and making a save. And in the last two kicks, I was more focused on the ball rather than just picking a spot.
“Our players worked really hard (to bring back the game) and I needed to do something to help them. With my experience it would have been disappointing not to help the team at that point.”
Ince predicts a tough Final against North East Stars, but believes his side could prevail. He said that the experience of midfielder Lyndon Andrews and himself will play a major role.