So, Saturday 4th September was Non League day and boy did we get some coverage! With 2 red cards, a heroic display from a Boro God and some bloke called Terry at the Lane, the Gospel according to Garry and Nick filtered on to the national radio airwaves!

It is almost becoming a "matter of fact" that we are now welcoming ex-Football League clubs to Priory Lane and with Darlington in town, a new name was added to the role call of former big boys. Is it just me, or have we all got to the stage of not thinking "Wow" each time a previous occupant of the "92" arrives? Personally, I feel we are now mixing it through hard graft and derserved good management, and we sure don't seem to get fazed by the occasions.

We have had some memorable 90 minutes on the coast in recent years and as the Boro faithful, have witnessed the highs and lows of life in the fast lane, both home and away, but I doubt any of us were prepared for what can only be described as the "blood and guts" display that unfolded. Our club emblem of a Martello Tower couldn't have been more apt, when the valiant 9 prevented the 11 from breaching our resolute defences. I really wonder just what John Terry made of it all.

It certainly caused a buzz when the England international arrived at the the ground, and all credit goes to the man for his willingness to exchange chat and sign autographs. Obviously John was down to watch his slightly more rotund brother Paul ply his trade for Darlo but I would like to think he went back to the international fold and said to his team mates "If only we had the Boro ethos in South Africa!"

I have heard Matt Smart called many things in the past, but never has he been described as Ronnie Corbett, but Radio 5 Live's phone in show wanted to know who was the diminutive character that donned the gloves. I can see where the comparison came from, as stood side by side with Rikki, our intrepid number 4 is vertically challenged. What Smarty lacked in height, he made up for with courage, and threw himself around his area, displaying the aerial prowess of Clark Kent's alter ego, and even having time to exchange banter and blow kisses to the traveling contingent. Matt, you are now pure legend!

So, all in all Non League day gave Eastbourne some wonderful exposure, and gave the 1400 odd in the crowd yet another Boro memory that will last for years to come. Maybe soon the BBC will come and find us for a feature on South East Today!!!

There is also some up to date "feather" news to report. Two weeks ago, it was reported here that Ollie the scholastic looking owl had his wing bent by a certain number 26. The good news was that following a lengthy discussion, the giant bird decided to let bygones be bygones, and once again 7 feet of feathers bravely stood between the posts. Surveying the penalty area, Ollie spotted the evil Dan Brown, 25 yards away with a ball at his feet... In a scene reminiscent of a Wild West duel, the two stared at each other. In a flash, a ball was speeding through the air, and our mortar board wearing mascot was hit square in the chest, and fell back wounded, landing tangled in the goal netting. Brownie 2 Ollie 0.... The season is still young though and Ollie will have his revenge!

Barrow awaits the squad this week end and we welcome Liam O'Brien on loan from Pompey to stand guard between the sticks. (Ollie was willing and able til last week's incident!) Shaun's Reserves are at Uckfiled Town and I know a few of us will be making the short hop across Sussex to get our fix of footy!

Where ever you watch a game this week end, enjoy it...