NOTHING Shaun Goater does on the football field should come as a surprise.

The more people who write him off, the greater his desire to prove them wrong.

We?ve seen it throughout it his career to the extent that silencing the critics has practically become Shaun?s favourite pastime.

He did it again last Saturday afternoon in about as emphatic fashion as would could imagine.

Just when the Royals fans were beginning to wonder whether their costly summer signing would ever live up to his reputation as one of the deadliest strikers in the English league, he offered a more than a gentle reminder that, even at the age of 33, he?s still got what it takes.

A first-minute bullet of a header marked what he and his team-mates believed was his 200th goal in professional football ? although at least one reputable website which keeps track of all goals scored in the league has Goater down for a tally of 205 so far, and another 17 in the cup!

Regardless, it was a momentous occasion and yet another milestone in the career of a player who has endured so much criticism yet always managed to have the last word.

To cap it off, the Bermudian sealed a memorable day, and a Reading victory, with an exquisite free kick.

Neither were what might be regarded as typical Goater goals.

But then here?s a player who can?t be typecast.

His satisfaction seemingly stems from his ability to repeatedly do what others think he can?t.

If there?s one consistent trait in his roller-coaster career, and it?s been said a hundred times before, it?s his remarkable work ethic.

If things aren?t going his way, as has been the case during an injury-plagued first few months at Reading, his instinct, unlike so many others who have fallen from grace, isn?t to throw in the towel but to train even harder, analyse what?s wrong, put it right and get back on track.

Without exception, he?s done that at every single club for whom he?s played. At Rotherham, Bristol City, Manchester City and now Reading, the doubting Thomases have all been converted.

More than a few players could take a leaf out of the Goater book, not least a so-called superstar at his last club, who despite carrying a price tag 10 times that of the man he pushed out, still hasn?t managed to turn his career around.

Reading boss Steve Coppell, who joined the club just a few weeks after Goater came on board, until last week had never come across as a great fan of the lanky striker.

But even he had to admit after last Saturday?s performance, that Goater might just hold the key which will ultimately unlock the door to this season?s First Division play-offs.

Perhaps he?s finally discovered what most Bermudians have long known.

When the going gets tough, the Goat gets going . . .

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AN unsigned statement released yesterday by Bermuda Cricket Board regarding the unfortunate circumstances surrounding young cricketer Jacobi Robinson (see story this page) contained some of the strongest language we?ve seen from any governing body in some time.

Robinson?s decision to quit the cricket academy in South Africa ? a trip funded entirely by the BCB ? because of a troublesome back injury, obviously had those among the Board?s hierarchy seething with anger.

But they were also apparently upset that the original story of Robinson?s return was broken in this newspaper without they being consulted.

Not for the first time they?ve shown their total lack of understanding of the role of the media.

If we had to consult the BCB every time we carried a report on cricket, particularly when on the surface the subject matter appeared to be of a non-controversial nature, then our national sport would receive but a fraction of the coverage it now commands.

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SOME 450 runners ? more than 200 of them juniors ? took part in last Sunday?s Butterfield and Vallis 5K which, outside the May 24 Derby, is perhaps the biggest all-local entry in any road running event in many a year.

It goes to show that despite all the political wrangling, athletics is alive and well.

It also shows that the vast majority involved still prefer to do their running on the road and not on the track.

Now why is that . . . . ?