Logica built on last weeks good performance and earned a vital 6-4 victory against Eurocelts in their battle against relegation. At the same time they gained some revenge for a Cup defeat at the hands of Eurocelts earlier in the season, when despite being 3-0 up at half time, Logica somehow contrived to lose 7-4 in extra time. Another healthy turn-out of players ensured two substitutes, and although Fleming failed a late fitness test on a runny nose, Jeff Hatton did a fine job as last-minute stand-in Supremo.

The difference between the two sides was the finishing of Kevin Spence. Logica seemed to have unearthed a bright young talent here, as the Scotsman has come into the side this season and heads the goalscoring charts by some way. Christened the 'Aberdonian Michael Owen', Spence's youthful enthusiasm is an example to us all, and he appears to have a wise old head on those young shoulders, which will hopefully stand him in good stead in the ten or more seasons to come.

The game began with Logica taking advantage of some woeful Eurocelts defending. After a number of close shaves, McNeill made an effective run down the right wing before crossing low for Abbott to side-foot home from close range (1-0). More goals would have quickly followed but for some appalling offside calls when Spence was clear on goal. Eurocelts fought back after this and the Logica defence excelled themselves in limiting the number of real chances created. Appleyard back in goal made a couple of brave saves also. As half time approached, Logica took a 2-0 lead when Steve Mumford was quickest to react to a cross dropped by the Celts keeper. In an all-action 5 minutes, Eurocelts struck back immediately when a breakaway found the Logica defence outnumbered, and Appleyard exposed (2-1). Abbott then found himself clean through on goal, but dallied and the keeper was able to block. Abbott was able to partially redeem himself, when Hatton won a good tackle in his own half. Abbott picked up possession and split the Celts defence with a raking pass which left Spence to round the keeper and roll home (3-1 at half-time).

Mindful of the earlier Cup disaster, Logica were keen not to slip up again and nor to surrender the initiative. This policy yielded a fourth goal when Hoyland pounced on a half-cleared corner to finish precisely with the outside of his right foot (4-1). Once again though Logica showed signs of vulnerability, as a well worked throw-in routine climaxed in a blistering drive from a Celt that gave Appleyard no chance (4-2). Supremo-For-A-Day Hatton decided on a substitution as Logica began to look a little tired. It nearly reaped instant dividends, as Stevey Lambert's first touch was to rob a dallying defender and head for goal. His lob was only just too high, although he explained later that a touch of cramp had put him off slightly.

The three goal lead was restored from a long goal-kick by Trovato. Abbott collected, turned and played in Spence who side-footed home clinically (5-2). An appalling offside decision by a poor referee allowed Eurocelts a third goal, but although Logica were often on the defensive they still broke with far more threat. Abbott missed a couple of good chances, including one elaborate attempt at a volley-come-lob that at least amused a sun-baked crowd. (Abbott later explained that he bet money at the start of the season on Spence to win the Golden Boot Award and is making sure that he wins his bet).

A final flurry saw one more goal apiece. Abbott collected a poor clearance and showed more good vision to pick out Spence unmarked. Spence is learning slowly. Drawing the keeper he conducted an elaborate dummy which left the goal minder flat on his arse, before advancing on goal and side-footing past a defender on the line. Totally unnecessary and all the better for it, a fine way to complete a hat-trick. Eurocelts pulled one back with a glancing header, but Logica held on strongly to pick up two much need points.

With the exception of Spence's brilliant finishing, this was very much a team performance. Gow had one of his best games for Logica in an unfamiliar left wing-back role, and Hoyland did a similar job on the right. McNeill, Mumford and Heaney all supported the attack well, and kept a tight shape in midfield for the most part, and Lambert added his customary thrust when he came on. Hatton, Trovato and Mainwaring contributed significantly when Logica were under the cosh, particularly in the first half, and Gautam again was extremely effective as the anchor in the middle of midfield. And much credit must go to Appleyard, selflessly agreeing to take the number one jersey and making some vital saves.

Afterwards, not quite sure what to do after a win, the players decided to head off to the pub as usual. The view from the Beveley's Beer Garden was unanimous "We did this one for Fleming". Roll on next Sunday.