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Tractor FC [1] v's Bench FC [4], 23rd February, 2004. Commentry by Mark Selby, Captian Bench FC
An age had passed since the Bench last took on the might of Tractor FC on a freezing night in Late October but the weather true to form had turned a sharp icy cold over the weekend as though in anticipation of the revenge game that was to be held witness to on Monday night.
A quick look at the previous match report showed the might of Selby's The Bench as they put an end to an unbeaten year for The Tractor. "A match to forget" ran the headline on Tractor FC's website...but how could they forget that hammering. It is said that "revenge is a dish best served cold" so all in all last nights circumstances couldn't have presented Tractor with a greater opportunity to repair their dented egos....As the players approached the empty flood lit pitch it became apparent that a few new faces had been recruited on either side.
Put down to injuries, although the comfort and warmth of the players own dwelling must have had a part, it was going to be a game of get to know the opposition fast and capitalise on their weaknesses. But there were few weaknesses to be seen throughout the game. Both Tractor and The Bench passed the ball with confidence and precision and it was only half way through the first half, when a glorious pivotal goal by one Mssr. Brodie planted the ball in the bottom right of Tractor's goal, that the deadlock was broken.
Bench began after that to take the upper hand with Reeve firing shot after shot at the Tractor goalie but as he said later on in the game "someone has decided that I am not to score tonight and that someone has not taken into consideration my pride..". The first half came and went and such was the intensity and concentration around the ball that no one realised ...no rest was given as half time heralded no acknowledgement. The pain grew as fitness levels were put to the test.
Moss easily covered the pitch.
If truth be known I think The Bench perhaps took their foot slightly off the accelerator...complacency or tiredness...we do not know. But Tractor capitalised on this scoring a fine goal with about 20 minutes to go. The Bench were riled when a precise corner by Pick found Selby (M) wanting at the back of the area, taking a sweet shot first time, he implanted the ball bottom left through a crowd of Tractor defence (whose writing this?). The Bench were lifted. Fine Goals by Reeve, top right cracker (finally restoring his scoring pride) and 10 minutes later a sweet move involving Pick, Selby (M) and Moss created yet another for the Bench.
Tractor to their credit did not give up and their attacking play increased in the last 10 minutes putting the Bench's defence under considerable strain. However the solidarity that had been formed between Selby (H) and the new recruit Alex Liesche held firm and they reacted quickly and firmly to any impending attack. The game ended 4-1 but was enjoyed on both sides and will be remembered for determined and precise moments of attacking play by both sides who seem to have come along way since their last meeting. We look forward to another game when ever the Tractor feels ready to harvest.
TFC: Phil, Fletch, Robbo, Adam, Rob, Tim and Ben
Bench FC: Mark, Henry, Hugo, Alex, ...
