You can't beat a derby for atmosphere and the Southcoaster was no exception.

A wonderful day, two great sets of fans and a traditional football stadium set the scene for the eagerly-awaited clash of two seaside clubs and anyone who paid the entrance fee certainly had their money's worth.

The game had everything you come to expect from a derby - passion, goals, seven bookings and the inevitable red card, but this game was more about guile than guts, as both teams served up a sumptuous feast that makes this game great.

The only problem from our point of view was the result but we can take a lot from the performance.

First we had a team like Portsmouth, on the back foot for long periods, until another dubious penalty (and co-incidentally from the same ref as the Wimbledon game) gave them the edge just before half time, plus we showed that we are not over-awed when we go to these places. So, when the gaffer finally has a full squad to choose from, I'm sure we'll turn performances into results.

Once again I would like to show the team's appreciation for the wonderful support we received from the travelling army, as once again you were magnificent and you even cheered mine and Dodge's every lap in the after-game running session.

Well, last week it was good to once again put one over my fellow sheep-lovers from over the bridge, as the reserves came from two down to beat Cardiff City 3-2 and anyone who came along wouldn't have seen four better goals, plus my scorcher, in any other match in any league. But the second half was especially pleasing, as we not only scored three goals but totally dominated and showed lots of character.

We also witnessed the shortest ever appearance of a professional footballer, with my mate (Scott Young) who is recovering from a back problem, lasting only 30 seconds of the game. When I saw him after the game, he explained that he immediately knew it wasn't right. Dave Lee beat him in a chase over 30 yards and if this wasn't humiliation enough, he heard Dodge shout: 'Put your shopping down' which completely killed him off.

Tuesday afternoon the gaffer was kind enough to take the playing and coaching staff out for a meal to Topolinos as a team-bonding session (not that we need any bonding, but a free meal is always nice) and no expense was spared as long as it was from the £4.95 menu. Dean White was gutted, as three garlic bread, a dinghy full of whitebait, plus a bucket of carbonara, comes to slightly over a fiver and he even wore his Brighton tracksuit with the elasticated waistband.

The two physios also came along, with Mal having his usual, everything on offer, and Kim, who eats like a Jack Russell on a diet, waded into the gluten-free range, which must have contained lemons judging by his facial expressions.

A few of the younger players missed the meal, as they were off seeing a sports psychologist, who emphasised the need for positive thinking. Virgs was one who seemed to have benefitted, as he's had the greatest week of training of his life and is like a new player, though it must be said that the other weeks of training in his life haven't been much competition, so the improvement is relative.

However, his week took a downturn when he trapped his budgie's leg in the door and had to take it to casualty, where he complained at the price of veterinary care for such a small creature. He did consider putting it down, but then remembered it's his only friend, so he took it to Mal who was no help at all as all he wanted to do was eat it.

Another to visit the psychologist was Shaun Wilkinson, who was quickly dismissed as the help he needed was from a dentist, as a psychologist doesn't treat green teeth.

And finally, if anyone wants another chance to see my goal against Cardiff, plus a detailed description of the excellent game, you can log onto www.watching Brazil.co.uk.

Saturday September 7