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Tractor FC [8] v's Arthur's Feet [6], 30th March, 2003.
TFC strip helps knock the socks off Arthur's Feet
On the hottest day of the year numerous Londoners flocked to local pubs to see the England rugby team win the grand slam. Afterwards, a select few headed to Battersea Park, each having witnessed a triumph, eager to recreate one for themselves that very day. On the hottest day of the year TFC met on the astro to play the mighty Arthurs Feet.
TFC don the new strip - and win!
Even before the first ball had been kicked, just getting a full team to the pitch had proved hard with many regulars missing. Tony was 'in the bush', helping out at home, Fred and Ben were away, the General Tim was attending to Mothers Day whilst Saddam Suckling could not be found. In their place Killian, Ben and George easily fitted into the mid field and ultimately helped to tip the balance in TFC's favour.
'They looked great out there', gabbled the gaffer, not refering to the clubs new dazzling claret kit, but instead in praise of a TFC side that came back from three goals down to win in the second half.
Despite the final score, the match could not have got off to a worse start when TFC were caught on the back foot and punnished by Arthurs Feet. With Robbo standing in goal he could do little as shots rained in whilst 'the reds' struggled with their new formation. After minutes TFC found themselves 3 down and it was only just before half time, when Ben disected the defence to put Wilko through on goal, did TFC look like getting back into the match. For the final few minutes of the first half Charlie Sparrow, now in goal, stopped coutless attacks without even once using his hands, whilst at the other end the Gaffer's shots continued to trouble only those as the very back of the North Stand.
Sucky, despite his absence, always has great support amongst the TFC fans.
Trailing by two goals after the break is not a great way to start the second half, but TFC nevertheless didnt help themselves by giving away another early goal. Gradually, however, the formation began to bond and with the wing backs linking well with Ewan and Adam ahead of them them, the Reds slowly began to edge their way back into the match. Suddenly the passing clicked too, and with it great swathes of posession converted itself into pressure and ultimately points. From the midfield James, Ben and George constantly picked up the ball in the deep and charged forwards. Up front our finnishing improved with Wilko's flick over the goalie, control and sidefoot finnish a defininte contender for goal of the season.
Arthur's Feet right hand man, Chris
The feet, however, where by no means finnished and it took stout performances by Boozer, Bournie, Ed and Ewan in defence to prevent a loss for TFC. Indeed in the latter stages with TFC leading by just one goal, the Feet saw a shot rebound off the post whilst another header was tipped into the bar. In their defence Grommit proved to be a rock on the right, whilst on the wing Chris was a thorn in our side. Even Ed Tremayne played at the top of his game and was subbed at half time. Crucially fitness proved to be the key with a break away goal from Ben in the final minutes sealing victory. It had been an incredible match played in the warmest weather where TFC scored 7 in the second half to win by two goals.
Committed play on the astro. Ed Burbs gets his leg over a 21 year old.
For TFC: Bournie, PNB, Robbo, Fletch, Boozer, Ed, Killian, Ben[2], Sparra, George, James, Wilko[3], Adam[1]
