We Are The Stags Online

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 1eft 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 wi1d! 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.

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.