WON'T this be something for Tractor Boy to tell his youngsters about in the years ahead – the day he got to see his heroes without having to adopt a hideous disguise.

WON'T this be something for Tractor Boy to tell his youngsters about in the years ahead – the day he got to see his heroes without having to adopt a hideous disguise.

The Evening Star's own Ipswich Town mascot has found it impossible to get into Portman Road in his normal kit – Bluey and Crazee have been known to gang up on him – but he had no problems in getting into Dagenham and Redbridge's Victoria Road ground on Saturday.

I understand that while he was there he met up with Town fans – and also bumped into newshound Scoopy, who was supporting the Daggers in the FA Cup match.

Scoopy, for those of you who don't know, is the mascot of the Recorder series of newspapers – part of the Eastern Counties Newspapers Group of which the Star is a part – which circulates in East London.

I'm told that Scoopy usually follows the Daggers' more illustrious neighbours West Ham, but could not resist a trip to see Town in action.

Tractor Boy himself attracted nationwide publicity on Saturday when BBC legend John Motson told the country "I'm not a Tractor Boy" as he prepared for the match at Dagenham.

Motty pointed out that while he went to school in Suffolk, he retained the BBC's legendary impartiality.

Of course he's impartial – he's the best commentator in the world – but I don't recall his regular column in the Town programme back in the late 70s being that impartial!

But while Motty might not actually be a Tractor Boy, it's good to know that the real thing made it to the match. Let's hope his disguise is good enough to get into Portman Road on Saturday!

n Town were back at home ground last night when McGreal headed in the goal that helped the Reserves draw 1-1 against West Ham Reserves.

See Page 39 for the full report.