Balham 1 Bromley Ravens 5

Balham had another tough match against the side from Bromley, but put on a much improved performance. The scoreline was a little unjust as a result of some late breakaway goals, and the boys can be pleased with their effort and determination today against another strong side.

On a filthy day, with the rain constant, Balham played toe to toe with the side in red in the first half. Whilst not making many chances early on, the whites showed a steely determination with some solid defending from Chris particularly. We were finding it difficult to get Amine and George on the ball, but Wilbur, Ethan and Dylan were constantly breaking up attacks. Still goalless after ten minutes, Balham started to exert some pressure with Wibur shooting from long-range and Jude's exquisite through ball being smothered by the keeper just before Ollie could latch on to it. Amine and George combined well a couple of times, and Balham looked much more dangerous with our creative midfielders on the ball.

Disappointingly, Bromley took the lead from a corner after Wilbur's header unluckily fell straight to one of their players who headed in. Jacob then kept out a sharp attack with his feet and at half-time, Balham were very much in it.

The boys started the second half superbly and snatched an equaliser after a defender had handled it in the area. Gethin dispatched the penalty superbly and it was game on.

The opposition had a couple of pacy strikers though, and hit Balham with two counter-attacks as the boys sought another goal. In both instances some ruthless finishing and direct football led to two excellent goals - although the Balham defence was sadly exposed on both occasions.

From George's free kick Gethin headed just wide as the boys continued to press. Jacob then pulled off a phenomenal double save having dived high to the right and then diving at an attacker's feet from the rebound. Chris continued to defend superbly, and he was showing great strength and determination throughout.

Will went close on his league debut with a right-footed shot, and Jude forced the keeper into a good save after Ollie's determined work down the left.

Sadly two more counter-attacking goals gave the scoreline an unappealing look, but the boys can be pleased that they showed good effort and skill throughout the game. Having probably played the three strongest teams in the league, Balham can look ahead with more confidence for the games ahead.