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Tractor FC [6] v's Oxford Outfitters [5], 3rd March, 2003.
TFC brawn beats Oxford brains.
By Fred Auld

The beautiful game is indeed one of two halves, as TFC found out on Monday night. Hampered by the absence of PNB and Sucky - both attending a charity event for 'Get Kids Gay', but boosted by the return of Ginger Tony from law exams, the home team soon realized the disadvantage of playing with a man down.

Camped in their own half and unable to hold possession, the boys quickly found themselves three down with the visitors making hay of the extra man. And just before half-time things seemed to have got even worse when Big Tim picked up an ankle injury but suddenly, out of the distance appeared TFC's missing cog, hair and all, and the team breathed a sigh of relief - Fletcher was here.

Warning: Dont put your fingers in the socket!

And the wild-haired winger made an immediate impact when he centred the ball for Hawk to poke home. That was the start of the comeback. Big Tim, like the true warrior he is, put his injury out of his mind and resumed his usual role as the defensive general. But it was up front where the Tractors made it count. Strikes from Ewan, Tony, Ollie and a particularly sweet volley from outside the area by Fred, set up a nervy last ten minutes with the score deadlocked at five all.

Both teams went up a gear, knowing the next goal would most likely be the winner. Defensive rings tightened up as both sides were desperate not to give anything away but as so often this season, TFC found a way through when it mattered. Skipper Robbo picked up the ball on the right wing and floated a teasing cross for Hawk to slam home the winning goal in the far corner. And as many of the TFC squad often say after their latest conquests off the field, "it weren't pretty, but I got the job done".

TFC: Robbo, Hawk, Fred, Tony, Ollie, Big Tim, Fletch