Well, it was one of those weekends, one which produced some much needed joy in equal measure to some genuine sorrow.

Let`s get the joy out of the way first. And where better than at St. Mary`s where Southampton cruised to a 3-0 win over Sheffield United to go third in the Premier League, if only for a brief visit before dropping to fourth as a result of Leicester City winning.   

Not much joy elsewhere in the parallel universe of football but there was a pivotal moment for the Railwaymen of Stoke Gabriel, who travelled to Ivybridge and managed a creditable 8-0 defeat - thus bringing their goal difference now to an impressive minus 196.  The pivotal moment coming when the seventh goal went in against them on Saturday so that they passed 200 in the goals against column in their 17 games this season.   On the flip side, they have so far managed to score five goals this season.   There truly is something to admire here.

In other news, Fort William were in Cup action away at Keith but perhaps predictably lost 5-1, although their one goal sparked wild celebrations in the highlands.   I will refrain from commenting on Gillingham`s defeat to Doncaster for fear of upsetting my neighbour in this season of goodwill and there is nothing to report concerning Maidstone United or Truro City but it is encouraging to see that Forest Green Rovers continue to do well in League Two under the tutelage of Mark Cooper.   Our street`s local hero Scott ("Waggy") Wagstaff came on for the final half hour once again to ensure the three points in a 2-0 home win against Cambridge United.

So much for events on the field of play but the sorrow in this report comes from the news that Gerard Houllier has sadly passed away at the age of just 73 following a long period of ill health.   He was a true gentleman of the game and will be mourned not only by Liverpool fans but throughout the football world.   There was much to admire about him too and perhaps my fondest memory of him was his steadfast insistence in referring to Sir Alex Ferguson as `Mr. Ferguson` rather than acknowledging the dubious knighthood.  (Perhaps I`m being a little unfair as I see that Fergie has issued a fulsome tribute in praise of M. Houllier.  Or maybe I`m mellowing in my dotage.)