Match Report: Udon Thani Tourist Police 7 - Provincial Police 8
Published in Udon Thani Magazine Guide Issue 1 April - June 2007 Page 40
Without the leadership of their Captain, the Udon Thani Tourist Police found themselves outnumbered and outgunned even before the match began. John from the Aussie Bar, the star of the Udon Thani Tourist Police FC, was out with an ankle injury and he was sorely missed. Sergeant Preecha, better known as Peter, was also absent due to a spell of duty in Nong Khai and his demise left a hole in the home team’s defence that was difficult to fill. Toni, the new signing and recent addition to the ranks, certainly made a name for himself during the sixty minute game but, with the heat and the humidity seeming to conspire against him, even he ran out of steam towards the end.
In complete contrast, the Provincials didn’t flag and had plenty of reserves to call on as the match progressed. In fact, they had so many players turn out, they all found plenty of time to nip off to the sideline for a quick smoke and a beer.
Nick Dunning, the manager of the AUA Udon Thani and playing in only his second game for the TP, scored two goals before the half time whistle and helped his team gain a valiant 6 - 4 lead. Police Sergeant Goson, or Sonny as most people know him, and Tom, the Greek barkeep from the City Lodge, having also scored two apiece.
In was in the second half that the cracks began to show. Without the reserves of the Provincials, the TP were left without fresh legs and after another twenty minutes in the heat and humidity they began to tire. The final kick of the match resulted in the final goal and the Provincials pulled ahead. Even the efforts of Chico, the bilingual goalkeeper, couldn’t stop the ball from flying into the back of the net.
All in all, without their star players, and in temperatures that would have seen United wilt, the boys did well. Very well indeed.
The Tourist Police and volunteer farangs play most Monday evenings. Contact the Tourist Police office if you think you would make the cut.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 18:32
