Here's a little mathematical teaser for you. Logica FC play a game with 10 men and lose 5-1. The following week they play a game with just 9 men and lose 5-2. How many weeks would it take them at this rate of progress to chalk up a victory and how few players would they have to put out?

Yes the usual faces turned up and a few other enthusiasts besides. And how well they did. Against a Racing club side who beat an eleven man Logica 3-1 earlier in the season, Logica played an excellent first half and were unlucky to be 2-0 down at the break after having an even share of possession. In the second half Logica actually pulled it back to 2-1 when a Spence free-kick caused panic in the Balham defence and Abbott reacted sharpest to rifle home left-footed into the roof of the net. So well were Logica's nine doing at this point that they actually believed they could get something out of the game. A number of other half-chances were created, most notably when a low Abbott cross was just a fraction too far behind Hoyland for him to get a powerful enough shot on goal.

Ironically it was set-pieces rather open play that caused the numerically deficient Logica problems. Two quick goals midway through the second half killed off their gallant fight. Both were from long throws, about the only dangerous weapon in the Balham armoury. Refusing to accept the inevitable Logica fought back again and scored a second goal to make it 4-2. After a jinking run down the right Gerry McNeill fooled the Balham defence with a blistering shot into the top corner from an acute angle rather than the more predictable cross - a stunning goal!

A fifth Balham goal from a corner near the end was harsh. All nine players had excelled themselves. Scott Fleming unselfishly playing in goal again and making some brave stops. The back three of Hatton Spence and Mainwaring were outstanding and gave the impression of a back five between them. Mark Heaney was brilliant on the left, his dribbles providing a valuable outlet. Dav Gautam making his debut in centre of midfield was equally brilliant, strong in the tackle and effective with his distribution. I just hope the farce of only nine players does not discourage him from turning out again. Gerry McNeill on the right of midfield capped a battling game with an outstanding goal. Nigel Hoyland was also exceptional, and put in a lot of selfless running as he regular took on the whole Balham back four. And even Abbott the prima-donna in the middle of the park finally got some tackles to put in his scrap-book.

But the biggest shame of all was that if we'd had a full eleven showing this attitude and ability we would almost certainly have gained an invaluable three points. Despite the gallant effort there was still nothing to show for it, and our league position still looks precarious. But at least the nine that turned up enjoyed the game, and have something to be proud of.