Colwyn Bay 3 - 3
Tamworth - 4/11/00 - FA Trophy 1
Not
for the first time this season, Colwyn Bay had to come back from behind to
salvage a match.
But
in previous matches they hadn’t been 3-0 down in a match so crucial to their
whole season, a situation they found themselves in their FA Umbro Trophy First
Round tie against Tamworth at Llanelian Road.
Weeks
of inactivity due to the recent bad weather had obviously taken their toll on
the side, whose last competitive fixture at Llanelian Road had been the
impressive 3-2 win over Worksop Town three weeks previously.
The
sign of the afternoon to come came in the first minute as Tamworth caught
Bay’s defence napping, Warren Haughton setting up Mark Hallam, who gave the
visitors a dream start after only 58 seconds.
On a heavy pitch, Bay struggled to get back into the game, although
Lambs keeper Darren Acton was on hand to save from Alun Evans and Owain Roberts.
But it was no real surprise when the Midlanders extended their lead on 42
minutes. Another defensive mistake allowed Mark Hallam to slot the ball past
Richie Roberts
Further
joy for Hallam, but more despair for the Seagulls in first half stoppage time,
the Tamworth striker completed his hat trick and effectively end Bay’s FA
Trophy hopes, with Bay fans all but resigned to another early cup exit.
But
the second half saw Bay embark on a remarkable come back, displaying the
battling characteristics which have epitomised their impressive start to the
season.
The
fight back began on 58 minutes when they were awarded a penalty, Stuart Gelling
adjudged by the referee to have been fouled by Michael Gray. Deiniol Graham
continued his fine spot kick record to reduce the arrears.
On
a deteriorating pitch, Bay stepped up their pressure, and four minutes later
another Graham; Glen, headed home following Marc Limbert’s corner to make it
3-2. Was the unthinkable about to
happen?
Incredibly
yes, as ten minutes from time, James McIlvogue, who had been on the pitch a
matter of seconds went on a powerful run, and his through ball found Deiniol
Graham, who curled a glorious shot into the bottom corner of the net and earn
battling Bay another bite at the FA Trophy cherry.
Colwyn
Bay:
R
Roberts, S Gelling, P Jones (G Roberts), O Roberts (J McIlvogue), C Caton (G
Graham), M Price, M Limbert, J Cross, D Graham, A Evans, C Lawton. Subs: A Hill, F Gibbons.
Independent
General Insurance Services Man of the Match:
Deiniol Graham
Match
Sponsors: Osborns Solicitors, Colwyn Bay & Abergele
Matchball
Sponsors: The White Lion Inn, Llanelian