Logica maintained their 100% record in 2006 as they fell to their fourth consecutive defeat since Christmas. But the performance was far more impressive, and in truth 's men could, and should, have taken at least a point from a highly entertaining match on a freezing February morning. Best of all, will have been highly impressed with the performance of debutante striker , who contributed two goals and much more besides.

Entertainment invariably arises from defensive blundering and Logica were first on the bill. Unlike the previous two matches, in which collapses at the death have ruined all the earlier good work, Logica got their marish periods in early doors this time, which at least gave them the chance to recover. Perhaps it was only to be expected after three weeks without a game, but sloppy defending allowed Notting Hill to romp into a two-goal lead inside ten minutes. First Hill's big midfielder headed home a little too easily from a corner [0-1], before their tricky left-winger ambled through three challenges enabling him to fire home from close range [0-2].

This could have been game over as Logica battled against both promotion-chasing opponents and a strong wind. But the players showed good character to strike back quickly. , returning after a lengthy injury, set the ball rolling with a strong run down the left, but his dangerous cross could not be converted. Minutes later, it was who added a touch of quality to the midfield quagmire, and guided a delicate and visionary pass through Hill's faltering offside trap to send clear. The striker kept his head and picked his spot, firing low and lethally just inside the far post to put Logica back in the game [1-2].

Since we are quite quick to criticise opposing linesmen who raise their flag at every Logica attack, we should also note that, to his credit, the Notting Hill substitute kept his flag down and was quite vocal in telling his on-field colleagues that the Logica man was onside.

Given the strength of the wind they faced, Logica were making a surprisingly good fist of the first half. After a period of play in which they looked the more likely to score, they did exactly that. This time it was who sprung the offside trap with a ball over the top that caught the keeper in two minds. showed no such hesitation, and quickly latched onto the loose ball to lash it low past the Hill number one [2-2]. The linesman did flag this time, but the referee was well positioned and over-ruled him.

The game was turning into a classic ding-dong affair, and now Hill regained the lead with the goal of the game. There seemed little danger as their burly midfielder dribbled along the half-way line, but, having shrugged off one tackle, he headed more directly for goal. Having powered past two more challenges, he unleashed a blistering and curling drive from 25 yards that flew just inside the right-hand post beyond the despairing dive of [2-3]. Logica were stunned, and quickly conceded a soft fourth, as Hill's left winger once again made his way too easily through the inside left channel before slotting home [2-4].

Logica had regained their two goal disadvantage, but once again showed their mettle by responding quickly. was adding some real bite and pace to the Logica attack, worrying defenders and drifting deep and wide to pick up the ball. He showed a good physical presence too, regularly getting in some hefty challenges on dallying defenders, as well as holding the ball up well under pressure. And when the chances came his way, he showed himself a good finisher too. This time it was who filled the role of provider, winning the ball back on half way and releasing Wright with a fine pass. The debutante had more to do this time, but advanced quickly whilst holding off a challenge, to slip the ball neatly under the advancing keeper [3-4].

Unfortunately for Logica, there was still time to squeeze in one more goal before half time. A bouncing ball caused some discomfort, but the Hill forward's hopeful shot deflected wickedly off , and looped cruelly over and into the top corner [3-5]. It was a double misfortune that such a fluke goal should ultimately prove the winner.

Despite having a Hill to climb in the second half, Logica believed that with the wind at their backs, they could still win the game. And their confidence was borne out when they again reduced the deficit five minutes after the interval. Concerted pressure won a corner, and beautifully flighted dead-ball to the back stick was emphatically headed home by the rampaging [4-5].

With nearly half the match to go, it seemed a rugby score was on the cards. had added fresh legs at the break in the shape of top scorer , and , relieved to be playing again after a long stretch on the sidelines with a hamstring problem. Notting Hill were struggling to get out of their own half, and the dominant Logica midfield and back four were winning the ball back at every turn.

and continued to provide a regular supply line to the forwards. Twice peeled away to the right, unnoticed by the home defence, but spotted superbly by , only for the substitute to fluff his finish. For the first, he tried a trademark first time half-volleyed lob, ill-advised on the bobbly Riverside Lands surface in a swirling wind, and the scuffed effort trundled weakly straight to a relieved Hill keeper. Shortly afterwards, did well to flick the bouncing pass back over the left full-back, but a hurried volley flew too high when a cross to the unmarked might have been the better option.

continued to pose problems for the home defence, but the elusive equaliser failed to materialise. With fifteen minutes remaining, Logica worked the opportunity they had been waiting for. A cross was cleared, but picked up the pieces, and after weighing up his options, played a neat reverse pass to who had once again lost his marker. Taking the ball perfectly on his chest, the elaborate striker side-stepped the advancing Hill keeper only to watch horrified as the Bobble Gods intervened and his attempted shot shanked off his shin and wide.

Logica gave everything in the final 15 minutes, but their attacking efforts became less composed as hopeful balls were lumped forwards. Notting Hill nearly took advantage, as they constructed some neat counter-attacks of their own, doing well to hold on to two long range efforts, and also bravely block at the feet of a home forward.

Logica's best chance had been squandered with 's nightmare miss, and although the team can take heart from an impressive display, the disappointment at not earning at least one much needed point was acute. The disconsolate striker accepted full responsibility for the defeat, but his disgusted team-mates still refused to give him a lift home. As he trudged disconsolately towards Barnes Bridge station he suddenly saw the hourly train pulling away from the platform. He had missed that as well, although admittedly by a much narrower margin.