Advent Calendar 2015: Day 15 – Waltham Forest 5-4 Corby Town
2005-6 was Hakan Hayrettin’s third and final full season in charge, and one where Forest always seem to be one goal, or one win away from putting something really promising together.
This was perfectly summed up in this December 2005 tie at home to Corby Town.
This was also Forest’s first season in the Southern League, a strange two-season experiment which saw Forest travel far and wide. Uxbridge in the west, Corby, Stamford and Rothwell Town in the north, Great Wakering in the east and Sittingbourne in the south.
The report of this match is probably best left to Steve Sparta, who was at the game.
Wood against steel and the rivets just undid the knots in this volcano of a game.
Corby stride majestically into a 3-0 lead, passing the ball amidst the bewildered Stags, Brett Darby conducting the show. Some neat interplay, a cross and a glancing header for the first, then two more as Forest tried the long ball over the top to little effect.
Suddenly, with 35 minutes gone, the home side gain a free kick about 25 yards out on their right. Didier Batunga, their expert left footer sends in a swerving bullet and as it motors through the goal area and a confusion of heads, Wes Thomas claims a touch and the score. 1-3.
Is this just a consolation? Yes, as before half-time Corby get their fourth. Is it all over now? No, it isn’t.
For all their footballing superiority, from centre half Mark Burrows to the suave Darby, we Foresters know our young team have spirit. But can they counter the ability of their experienced opponents?
As the second half starts, we are jolted into the realisation that all things are possible.
The Stags fue forward, this time their aim is sure and they scythe through the former metal workers, warping their shields with the flame of football.
Georgiou wins and takes a penalty, he hooks in another at the second attempt, McKenzie shoots through a thicket of players and it’s 4-4! Jesus Christ and Jeffrey Archer. It’s the devil’s work I tell you.
Three goals in about ten minutes, with other chances going begging too, us fans are being probed in our most sensitive areas.
A shot is cleared off the line, yet the referee gives a goal and we go wild! But then there’s a linesman giving offside – with their keeper and the player clearing on the line, how is this possible?
Exhortation, intensity, passion, frustration… four more names on the team sheet at Wadham Lodge.
Ten minutes left and the Corby sub 14, Zac Nedimovic swirls in a shot and the winner, taking a massive deflection to beat Charlie Hasler.
Fine team though Corby are, Forest deserved at least a draw for their incredible comeback. But this game was full of speed fitness and skill – non-stop. No passing the ball a bout for fun. Corby directed their skills towards goal I and Forest have the acclaim of an unprecedented in my viewing era fightback.
My friend Keith came along for his first game here and was suitably astonished and impressed with the standard and relentless pace of the game.
Curiously I had seen a 4-5 before, Dagenham v Leyton Orient in an early 90s cup tie. I am also reminded of a Pennant revival in 1997 when they beat Aldershot 4-2 with Che Stadhart hat-trick after being 2-1 down in goals and about two thousand down in supporters.
But this game was the best of the lot. Three Corby fans chanting and beating their panels, some riposte from a group in the main stand warming an icy afternoon as we watched and marveled at such drama upon the field of human endeavour.
Medals all round chaps.
Went on to bigger things
Wes Thomas is perhaps one of Forest’s biggest success stories. After moving on to Thurrock, then Fisher, Thomas has played over 150 Football League matches, and is now on loan at Swindon Town.
Disappeared from view
Charlie Hasler had the potential to be a great non-league goalkeeper, but didn’t seem to have the dedication or enthusiasm. He played one game for Forest at the start of the 2013-14 season, but didn’t return. Can be seen at Low Hall Farm on a Sunday playing for the Leyton Orient Supporters Club team.
