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After two successive draws Logica were keen to get their first win of the season. The defence had proved solid in the previous games but goals had been in short supply. With three stalwarts of recent (and not so recent) teams posted missing, it was a chance for yet more young hopefuls to show what they could do. Good intentions, maybe, but they still got beat. Previous form suggested that Tower would be stiff opposition, having been promoted as last year's Division 1 Champions. The young hopefuls were in at the deep end ... just like the old hopefuls.

Tower's midfield and forwards were fast and strong and dominated the first half completely. Long balls down both flanks gave the Logica wing-backs no respite. Booting the ball into Row Z of a neighbouring garden did, however, provide the occasional breather while the ball was retrieved. When Logica did win possession in midfield it was surrendered too easily. Hoyland and Bramwell looked sharp up front but there was very little service from midfield.

After 20 minutes Logica were 2-nil down, both goals coming from strong play (by Tower) down the wings. Tackles were conspicuously absent in both cases, Tower forwards dribbling into the box unchallenged. A typical bookable offence from Johninho would have helped had he been there. Spence had made some good saves until this point, but Tower goals were inevitable.

Then Logica got one back. Trovato played the ball over the top of the Tower defence and Hoyland was on it in a flash. (This lad's pace has been a welcome addition to an ageing strike force.) Spotting the 'keeper off his line, he hit it first time from all of 30 yards. The ball rocketed into the top right corner of the net giving the 'keeper no chance.

Unfortunately, the pattern of play did not change. Tower continued to dominate and they scored a third shortly afterwards. Logica were ragged and would have been happy to hold on until half time without conceding more. Still, Tower were a bit ropy at the back and Hoyland clearly had them beat for speed. It had earned Logica's first goal and did it again for the second. He latched onto what was no more than a clearance down the right wing, steadied himself and crossed for Bramwell. Bramwell played the ball over his head (poor control or inspired, who knows) to Fleming on the other side of the box, taking out two defenders. Fleming feigned to volley, instead dragging the ball past another defender before swinging his right foot at it. Thankfully it ended up in the net. Some say his eyes were shut but the player denies it.

At half-time Spence and Hoyland swapped 'keeper and striker shirts and Anthony replaced Dunton. Anthony's impact was immediate. Collecting the ball just inside Tower's half he ignored his team-mates animated pleas to play an "easy ball". Instead, he belts the ball goalwards a la Beckham. A truly magnificent effort spoiled only by the 'keeper's save.

Although Logica had more of the play in the second half Tower were still punishing them on the break. Their two goal advantage was restored when they broke down the left and crossed low into the box. The striker held off Hatton's challenge and beat the 'keeper to the ball for a simple tap in.

Logica hadn't given up yet, though, and scored the best goal of the match. Hatton picked up the ball (with his feet) in the middle of the pitch and passed to Burdett on the right. Burdett then sent Pace clear down the touch-line to cross for Spence. Showing all his experience, Spence controlled the ball with his first touch and placed it in the net with his second.

The casual observer might have been thinking that Logica could still get something from this game. However, the casual observer would have changed his or her mind when Tower scored two more. Tower's sixth goal was typical of the way the second half went. Logica had attacked strongly down the right wing but didn't make it count. Tower cleared their lines, playing the ball over the top of the Logica defence. The striker outpaced the defence and slotted the ball past the advancing 'keeper.

At 6-3 down Logica didn't look like winning this match (and they didn't). A fourth goal proved to be no more than a consolation. Back on the attack, Emiola pressured the Tower full back into a poor clearance. Fleming gathered the ball on the touch-line and crossed for Trovato who rose high above his absent marker to nod the ball down to Spence. The ball dropped just behind Spence who swivelled, held off a defender and scored with a delightful effort over his shoulder.

That was the end of the scoring and thankfully so for this reporter. After the low scoring draws of the previous two matches this was an unwelcome return of schoolboy scorelines. Now the young hopefuls know what it's really like to play for Logica.