KEITH SIDAWAY returned to the Logica side on Sunday to score a stunning goal from a free-kick. After much recent criticism concerning his preference for penning poetry on a Sunday morning, the experienced striker responded in the only way he knows how - with his boots! Unfortunately, the Geordie's 52nd minute equaliser was not sufficient to bring home a share of the points, as South West Six responded with two further goals of their own to run out 3-1 winners.

In typically modest fashion, Sidaway was far more concerned about his side's defeat than dwelling on any personal satisfaction he might acquire through scoring. "I was disappointed today, because that was a team we could have beaten," said the legendary goal machine after the match. Only after much prompting would Sidaway discuss his goal. "Yes, I prefer to think of it as my first goal of the new millennium," he stated reluctantly. "I have now scored goals for Logica in three different decades, two different centuries and two millennia. Not forgetting of course that I have scored in five different continents," he added shyly.

Further questions about his motivation for appearing this Sunday received no response. The implication was that Sidaway was stung back into action after hearing about the previous week's legendary 'clean-sheet performance' by fellow Lag Malcolm Dick. Whatever the reason, to return with not only a goal but a superb individual performance is a tribute to the man's determination and quality. One suspects that another eloquent ode is imminent.

Sid's goal came after the referee awarded Logica a free-kick inside the penalty area for foul and abusive language. After lengthy delays whilst the controversial umpire engaged in a mass debating session with most of the opposition team, Sidaway enquired whether the free-kick was direct. The referee thought for a moment, before replying that it was in fact indirect. The old ones are the best! Abbott then tapped the ball a small distance to his right and Sidaway unleashed a powerful thunderbolt which was also beautifully placed wide of the wall and just inside the far post (1-1). A stupendous goal, and a definite contender for the next Goal of the Millennium vote. (Many thanks for the ticket for Arsenal v Liverpool by the way, Sid - Ed).

The goal should have proved the turning point in the match. South West Six continued their arguments for many minutes after the goal was scored until the referee ended up booking a couple of their players. This was the time to take advantage of our opponents disarray. A second goal now, and the initiative would definitely be with the home side. But Logica were unable to gain the ascendancy. A tired looking side struggled to put pressure on the rattled visitors, and in fact spent far more time defending thereafter.

If Logica were trying to hold out for a point, their policy failed. South West Six finally broke through with twenty minutes remaining. A shot from 10 yards was deflected by a blocking challenge, and looped up cruelly over a despairing Groom dive (1-2). A third goal followed late on when a low right wing cross found its way to the far post and was converted at the second attempt (1-3). Even the subsequent sending off of South West Six's right-back for a second bookable offence came too late to make any difference.

Whilst never being entirely convincing in the first half, Logica at least gave as good as they got, and probably created the better chances. Early on, Abbott unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box after a cross had been half cleared, but the South West keeper dived spectacularly to his left and tipped the ball past the post. Banoub was similarly foiled by the visiting number one, after he created himself a shooting position and fired in a low shot from twenty yards. Logica almost scored from two well worked corners. Sidaway hit each dead-ball short to Abbott at the near post who played the ball back for the Geordie to cross. From the first Banoub had a close range effort scrambled off the line, and the second caused similar mayhem in the Six rearguard.

Craig Taylor probably had the best chance of the half. A mis-hit free-kick somehow found its way through to him as he stood alone on the edge of the penalty area. He opted for an early shot which beat the keeper but also the far post. A long throw from Taylor created more confusion in the visitor's defence. Banoub flicked a header on and Abbott slid in at the far post, but his effort caught the heel of a defender and went for a corner.

Despite these chances, South West Six were posing threats of their own, although Logica's defence (which had to be re-arranged following the non-appearance of Trovato) nearly managed to survive until the break. But a penalty box scramble finished when a Six shooter turned a low shot past an unsighted Groom for the opening goal (0-1). Groom had earlier shown his talents for saving one-on-one's when he advanced bravely to block the shot of a visiting striker who had broken clear.

So after this, the second half was a disappointment, especially after Logica had forced an equaliser so soon after the break. The team worked hard, but rarely played with the confidence of the previous week nor showed the belief that they could win. Jake Gow deserves special mention for an excellent performance at right back. He regularly won tackles against pacey and tricky opponents, and also showed great control and calmness when on the ball.

Sidaway was also impressive with Gautam in the middle of the park. He got through some great work, many tackles and intelligent passes before scoring his goal. Unfortunately, not quite match-fit, he substituted himself just after South had scored their second goal. But for this early exit and editorial fears of a "ticket-bung-scandal" exposee in the national press, Sidaway might have run Gow closer for the man-of-the-match award.