Former Manchester City striker Shaun Goater reckons Merthyr Town must beware Bermudan goals ace Jonte Smith in the FA Trophy.
Goater, who scored 32 times in 36 appearance for Bermuda, believes Smith is a player to watch out for in a tie too be played at the Dripping Pan Stadium on Saturday, November 10.
“Jonte Smith is a technically good player from Bermuda,” said Goater. “He needs the opportunity to show what he can do and then could push for a League Two club if he does well for Lewes.”
Goater insists the future of Bermuda’s football team is looking bright and picks out Carlisle United midfield player Reggie Lambe, who looks certain to face Newport County at Brunton Park on Saturday, along with Queens Park Rangers centre-forward Nahki Wells.
“Reggie has been doing really well and has the ability for a move up to League One,” said Goater. “The problem with Bermudan players is adjusting to the aggressiveness of English football, especially the lower leagues.
“The kick and rush football isn’t as suited to Bermudan players, who are used to a slower, more technical style of play.
“The trailblazer has been Nahki, who’s been great since arriving in 2014.
“He’s a really exciting player for the country.”
Bermudan-born Goater was rejected by Manchester United before joining rivals City, scoring 103 goals in 212 games. He also played for Rotherham, Bristol City, Reading, Southend, Notts County and Coventry before retiring in 2006, while his international goals tally is 32 in 36 appearances for his country.
Striker Smith, 24, has played for Sutton United, Crawley Town, Welling United, Crawley and Lewes, while he had a spell with PS Kemi in the Finnish second tier.
Former Brighton, Gillingham, Fulham and Brentford striker Darren Freeman is the Lewes manager, a 45-year-old Brighton-born forward who scored a hat-trick for the Seagulls in their first match at the Withdean Stadium.
Lewis play at the Dripping Pan Stadium, which has been their home since the club was formed in 1885.
Boston Premier League Lewes included Freeman’s son, centre-half Stacey, in their first team along with Frankie Chappell, who spent more than a decade with Folkestone Invicta before moving to Lewes last season.
Former Brighton full-back Steve Brinkhurst is another highly rated defender.
The Buildbase FA Trophy tie against Merthyr Town is on Saturday, November 10. The Martyrs earned their trip to Sussex with a 3-2 away win at Farnborough FC.
Lewes are placed fifth in their division, but have earned only one victory in five home fixtures, while they have earned five wins away in six matches.
Merthyr Town fixtures in November
Saturday 3 Dorchester Town v Merthyr Town (3pm)
Saturday 10 Lewes v Merthyr Town (Buildbase FA Trophy)
Tuesday 13 Merthyr Town v Poole Town (7.45pm)
Saturday 17 Basingstoke Town v Merthyr Town (3pm)
Tuesday 20 Merthyr Town v Tiverton Town (7.45pm)
Saturday 24 Merthyr Town v Weymouth (3pm)
