IT’S MY BALL AND I’M KEEPING IT – GEORGE
EARD the one about the former Championship title-winning defender who scored an FA Cup first round hat-trick? It was George Elokobi!
Chances are you didn’t as one of his three goals went down under the name of Braintree Town team-mate Oli Muldoon.
But there was no need for the dubious goals panel to examine the video tape, according to the man himself.
“Just a little bit – I don’t know how much contact, but it was enough,” he smiled, when asked how much of a touch he got on Muldoon’s low free-kick.
There was no doubt about the goals he scored either side of that, as the National League Iron mauled Eastbourne Borough 7-0 last Saturday.
Elokobi has been on loan at the Essex club from League Two Colchester United since the beginning of October.
Out of favour with boss John McGreal, it looks like the 30year-old’s future lies elsewhere.
But. as fans of Wolves will no doubt remember from his days helping them win the Championship and gain promotion from League One, he’s throwing himself into his latest challenge with all the gusto you’d expect.
“I’m so desperate to do well. Most importantly, I’m so desperate for the team to do well,” he said.
“We seem to be improving so I’m enjoying my time here. That’s why I’ve extended my loan to make sure I can help Braintree Town Football Club.
“I haven’t got a future at Colchester, so when the opportunity came for me to come out and play football I jumped into it. It doesn’t matter what level you’re playing at. At the end of the day, it’s men’s football.
Opportunity
“I enjoy being out on a pitch at 3pm. That’s why you train hard throughout the week – to make sure on Saturday at 3pm you are there helping your club.”
More goals would be nice, too, as Braintree booked their place in the FA Cup second round for the first time ever – and a trip to League One side Millwall.
So, just to clarify, George – it was definitely three and not two? “No question – I’m taking the ball home,” he insisted.
And who would argue with him?