I trust that all had a good festive time and here we are entering the ninth year of the millenia. The tail end of 2008 gave us three local derbies and the chance to get to the magical 30 points we hoped for back in August.

Following the obligatory eating duties of the 25th, it had to be said that the fayre served up on Boxing Day was a case of too much stodge and not enough energy! A refreshing crowd attended the now traditional, and possibly the last for a while, visit of Lewes. We were still smarting from the reverse at the Lane last year, so nothing short of a win would satisfy the die hards. On paper, it was a game that Boro should have walked away from with points, and after a huff and puff non-event a dubious penalty gave us the goal and victory. It wasn't pretty but hey, we beat them! There were several chants sung that afternoon, many of which were aimed at the financial plight of the Rooks and where they may be playing next season! "We wish you a relegation, and a Ryman New Year" rang out on more than occasion.

As with most Christmas holidays, the days get confused and we found ourselves travelling over the border to Crawley for a Sunday match. Forced by segregation, the 314 Sports fans took their place behind the goal and we were soon making enough noise to embarrass the home fans. In fact, we didn't actually know where the home faithful were as they didnt seem keen on vocal support! They obviously don't get too many away fans at the Broadfield, as coffee and other refrshments soon ran out. We gave a stirling performance, both on the pitch and on the terraces, with the Crawley keeper getting a lot of attention for his striking "Baby Blue" outfit. He still has a long way to go to out-do Hooky in pink. The lads gave their all and were hit by what was probably the only shot on goal Creepy had. We walked away with heads held high. Nice gorund, no noise!

So, to Lewes part deux! It was refreshing to arrive at "The Pan" to find they can actually open more than one turnstile now! With a vista of yellow walking to the ground, it soon became apparent that Boro would outnumber the home fans by 2-1. With the arrival of the Eastbourne committee came the matchballs! Yes, I kid you not, Lewes actually had to phone and ask could we take some match balls as they didn't have any! Priceless. If the game hadn't gone our way, Garry would have been within his rights to storm on the pitch, snatch the ball and run off shouting in a garbled Scots accent "Och ay, its my bawl, and I'm off home!

All credit must go to the Lewes catering facilities. Since last season they have added a third outlet. Just a pity they forget to bring in some extra food. The burger bar in the home end had none left before half time, and the coffee was cold, unless "you put it in a microwave" as I was told by the helpful staff!

I guess once again, it tok them by suprise that 2,000 plus would turn up, and not the usual 500 they have been used to.

The game itself was a bit hit and miss too. It was looking like "stodge re-visited" but finally the breakthrough came courtesy of Nathan and Ashley. Nathan added a second and it was fait au compli. The Philcox Stand reverberated to the Boro celebrations long after the final whistle. Six points out of nine was a good return for the end of year.

So now we enter 2009 and the next step in our survival. Oxford United next. Oh how our respective fortunes have changed. Only three seasons ago, we, the minnows of the Blue Square South, were welcoming League Two Oxford in the FA Cup. We now meet as equals in the league pyramid. Some thing to reflect and be proud of.

One final mention is to Paul Armstrong, our captain. I know that I will be speaking for all you Blog readers in wishing Paul a very speedy recovery.

Happy new year to you all, and see you down the Lane.