Remember this? August 2005

Another trawl through the archives this time to August 23rd, 2005. Reading v Swansea City. The ever growing list of cock ups made by BTB’s very own Stuart Croucher were given a gift wrapped present during Reading’s Carling Cup first round tie against Swansea City.

With Reading leading 1-0 Steve Sidwell scored what appeared to be a perfectly legitimate goal. Three sets of PA eyes failed to see the goal had not been given. Among them were BTB apprentice Paul Smith who admitted to not seeing it as he changed the scoreboard to acknowledge the second “goal”. Croucher, ever the professional played Tom Hark to signal the goal, only to see that the goal was disallowed. A full seven seconds of the celebratory tune were blasted out to the Madejski public. Smith himself showed he is learning how to screw things up, played a replay to the bewildered, but very amused Madejski crowd. The young novice could only watch in awe though, as his mentor showed him how it’s done by playing the music at a totally inappropriate time.

The apologetic Croucher confessed his error by claiming he was foxed by the celebrating Steve Sidwell. “When Sidwell wheeled away in triumph, I was convinced the goal would stand. It was only when I looked up from pressing play on the machine and I realised that the game was continuing that my mistake became glaringly obvious.” Said the Reading PA man.

When asked if he was trying to criticise the officials, Croucher laughed saying, “No that was not my aim at all. There have been moments when I have been tempted, but this was a genuine error.”

BTB were left with more egg on their collective mugs when Swansea grabbed a late equaliser. Croucher continued, “My misery was compounded as Sod’s law took a hand in matters and Swansea scored. I did feel a complete twat after that!”

The Swansea goal scorer was understandably not announced. Dave Kitson’s second goal saved Croucher’s bacon. What followed was a sweeter version of Tom Hark and the satisfaction of getting the timing of Reading’s second goal announcement - music and all - correct. In addition to Kitson’s lifesaver, Leroy Lita added his fourth goal in five games to make the final score 3-1 to Reading.