Well, this week, a credible 0-0 draw against FC Vasco de Gama. Another large attendance, although this was significantly depleted when Mr Stephen Spence was plucked from the crowd to become Logica's eleventh man. A feisty game, with Vasco de Gama quite adventurous as you would expect, ha ha. Ironically, it was Logica that discovered uncharted territory, and somehow produced a clean sheet out of the hat. A superb defensive display was complemented with the occassional passing move of mesmerising effect (especially down the left). It was the traditional 'Logica Way' of the Golden Eighties, as we soaked up the pressure for most of the game (i.e. easily conceded possession at every turn) and hit our unsuspecting opponents on the break. A great move in the first half culminated in Jon Clarke just shooting wide, and then Stephen Spence was unlucky when a 20 yard shot hit the post.

Logica began to tire visibly in the second half but the defence continued to deal with all that was thrown at them. The Hatton Brothers were each brilliant, and Appleyard had his finest game for a long time (even hobbling back on to the field heroically for the last 5 minutes after a serious injury). The wing-backs both helped out considerably, but Spence (K) in goal was the man-of-the-match. A string a full-length saves, brave punches and dives at the feet of on-rushing attackers complemented his entertaining juggling skills, and did most to ensure a clean-sheet. Indeed Spence (K) nearly convinced many on-lookers that he was not in fact the worst footballer in his family. Vasco were appealing for everything - penalties, free-kicks, and even a goal when a shot rebounded from the underside of the bar ("no Russian linesman" pointed out Fleming bitterly). Luckily the referee stood firm and proved to be no pushover. At the death Logica could have won it. Fleming broke through and had a well-hit shot saved by the keeper, and then Clarke saw a delicate chip go inches over the bar (Jon, obviously, not Ian). Typically, at the final whistle, the Logica players were quick to observe that if we'd scored then, it would have been a great injustice. What a nice bunch of chaps we are!!!