Balham 1 R&R Cobras 2

Balham returned to action on a cold and muddy December day, after a second enforced lockdown period off. After some committed training at the end of the week, the boys put on an excellent performance against the top of the table side. In truth, they can count themselves very unlucky to have not got a point from the game. The Whites had the greater share of possession, and edged territorial advantage, but were undone by two lightning-fast counter-attacks.

After the disappointment of the game earlier in the season, when Balham were players short, the boys were determined to show that the September result was not reflective of a genuine differential between the sides. Both teams started well, with R&R having some early pressure but Balham growing into the half. During this period, they found it tricky to unlock a very well organised defence. Will was harrying their defence well, and some of the passing between the boys, despite the bobbly pitch, was impressive to watch. Both Gethin and Ethan were showing neat touches on the flanks and it looked like the game would be tight from the off.

Both sides had good chances from corners, with R&R heading over unmarked, and at the other end, a scramble not quite falling for Will or George.

Balham were camped just outside the R&R box for a long period but unluckily could not find the final pass. With probably too many players committed forwards, the Cobras struck as quickly as an unexpected snake attack, rattling the Balham defence with a fantastic move down the flank.

The lead did not last long. Amine picked up the ball on the left flank, and slithered his way through the Cobras defence, firing home a shot which drew gasps of surprise even from the opposition parents. It was an excellent goal, with sublime skill and poise.

The boys' tails were up, and they continued to press the R&R defence superbly. Amine, George and Jude started to combine well with some really crisp passing in the opposition's final third. The Whites so nearly took a lead with George glancing his header just wide from Amine's corner.

Nonetheless, R&R continued to look dangerous on the attack, with Luca, Dylan and Chris needing to put in several tackles and blocks. The half drew to an end with a long-range free-kick from Wilbur being tipped over the bar by their goalkeeper who had looked wobbly on a couple of occasions prior.

As the second half began, and it was tough to call which way it would go. The whole half was really tight with very few chances and some solid defensive work from both sides. Ten minutes into the half, Balham were counter-punched again with several players up for a corner. As the ball broke at the edge of the area, two passes later the ball was tapped into the net in a carbon-copy of the first goal. The home crowd hissed their disappointment.

Somehow R&R did not extend their lead moments later. Jacob left an innocuous-looking shot which hit the post, only for the rebound to be smashed straight against his legs with his back turned. From the resulting corner, he pulled off an excellent point-blank save to deny the attacker who should have scored.

Jude was unlucky with a chance late on, with the keeper bravely stopping him when through on goal. Despite straining every sinew in the last five minutes, the boys were unable to fathom another chance with the Cobras putting every man behind the ball.

With Welling Wings United next week, the boys can look to measure their improvement again. It was a strong performance today, and oh, to have these Sundays back.