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Tractor FC [3] v's Kodiac Bears [3], 9th November, 2003.
TFC bear hug after historic come back, by Andy Copeman
If ever the phrase “it was a game of 2 halves” could have been used more appropriately then this was the occasion.
With the Kodiak Bear mating season having just finished there were plenty of new players to give debuts to. This was fortunate given that the experienced Bears were recovering from their annual romp, leaving me with only 3 regulars. The line up was:
Copeman (c), Attwood, White, J.Gumbel, H.Gumbel, John DJ, Fordham, Hoyle, Pout, Rolt, Innes, Mallinson
With such a disjointed team, not used to playing together, it was amazing that the Bears managed to gel so quickly. The passing was fluid and the energy of the team couldn’t be faulted. Shots were raining down on the Tractor boy’s goal and slightly wayward finishing from our very own Adrian Mutu meant we only went into the break two up, after two goals from the impressive Mike Rolt.
Tractor boys sprang into life after being shell shocked in the opening 45 and were pressing early for goals. Solid defending and one magnificent save by our keeper Mike Fordham kept our advantage. Against the run of play we scored our third of the game on the break after good play by the midfield pairing of Pout and Innes. It was fitting that Ed Attwood, a founding member of the Bears, finished with ease into an empty net.
Andy: full time Gaffer, part time gigolo.
Then disaster struck. With 12 men and being only a friendly Copeman’s successful 4-1-3-2 formation was dissolved by the revolving substitutions that were necessary for everyone to get a game. The shape was lost and Tractor Boys capitalised on this by scoring two quick goals through Crispin Utley and Tom Daniel, ironically the former of which was once a Bear himself. They always say old players score against their former clubs.
It looked as though a famous victory was to be recorded but with 10 minutes to go a mix up between the defence and goalkeeper led to an incredibly embarrassing 30yrd own goal by the captain which made it 3-3. Tractor boys weren’t finished though and had their minds on the ultimate comeback, a headed clearance off the line by Copeman making slight amends for his previous error and denying the opposition an unlikely win.
Tom and Rob both impressed on their debut
As the final whistle went it was easy to see who was the happier of the two managers and I expect a few tea cups went flying in the Kodiak Bears’ dressing room. A magnificent comeback by Tractor Boys and a thrilling spectacle for the neutral. The Kodiak Bears are disappointed with the draw and showed that they are a force to be reckoned with. The gauntlet has been thrown down for a replay.
For TFC: Tom Rob Phil Robbo Max Gramps Tim Rhodi
