After over two months without a game, Logica might have hoped to be reincarnated as something quite different in their first outing of 1999. Instead, another player non-appearance left the team very much handicapped against title chasing Fleet FC with only 10 men. Lack of match fitness and a quagmire of a pitch did not help matters, and a quite pronounced slope meant that Logica had a mountain to climb in the first half Brian.

Logica adapted as best they could, played an imaginative 3-4-2 formation and were instructed to keep men behind the ball and let Fleet do as much of the work as possible. The players applied themselves admirably and restricted Fleet to very few moments of danger, whilst looking dangerous on the occassional break. Unfortunately on 20 minutes, Fleet took the lead when a cross was headed home, as Logica exhibited their old achilles heel with crosses at the back. But, showing incredible character, ten-men Logica equalised immediately from the kick-off. A well-practiced centre routine found Logica passing their way through the entire Fleet side. Tim Wood played a neat pass inside to Abbott, who threaded a ball through the Fleet back-line into the path of a well timed run from Hoyland. The Logica striker took one touch before finishing precisely with a drilled low shot into the far corner from a fairly acute angle. 1-1.

Logica continued to absorb pressure and hit Fleet on the break, and further half-chances were created for Abbott and Hoyland. Inevitably though, Fleet regained the lead when a long shot flew over the stranded Fleming in goal and just under the bar. This was unfortunate for the begloved Supremo, who had made 3 or 4 excellent saves to keep Logica in the game.

For 15 minutes of the second half Logica remained in the frame at just 2-1 down. But playing downhill proved harder than playing uphill, as it was easy to get forward but far harder to get back. Logica began to tire as the numerical inequality, mud, slope and lack of fitness began to take its effect. Fleet began to find more space and create more chances. Just after the hour two quick goals in succession killed off any spirited Logica resistance, and the knackered ten men did well to restrict Fleet to just one more goal before the referee finally put us out of our misery.

Despite an unflattering score-line, Logica can be proud of a heroic effort and a good performance under the circumstances. With a little more luck, and a full complement of players, we can hopefully turn the corner and get a few points under our belts in the next few matches.