Balham dominate Epsom & Ewell

Balham 4 Epsom & Ewell 0

Balham have had more convincing scorelines this season but few matches have seen such domination. Jacob only had one cross to save in the whole match, the boys had almost all of the possession, and the visitors were severely rattled by the end of the contest. On a drizzly day, it was enjoyable to watch some lovely passing of the ball, particularly in the second half when the boys had confidence to pass the ball around the back as well as being direct going forward.

We knew from the Cup game earlier in the season that Epsom liked to play out from the back so Tomasz encouraged the Whites to press from the off. It proved a successful tactic as the visitors regularly struggled to get out of their half. Wilbur was getting stuck in across the park, and after some excellent tackling he played Jude in who beat a couple of opposition players before firing wide. The left-winger looked lively throughout, particularly in the first-half which was probably his standout performance of the season. George had the best effort of the early stages, a low drive fizzing across the surface from a Max header but just wide.

Balham took the lead after a lengthy clearance from Jacob found George who played a delightful ball through to Jude. He finished superbly and the boys took a deserved lead.

There were several chances to double the advantage before it finally came. Mathieu showed excellent skill to take the ball down from a Wilbur lob but the keeper saved it well. Max hit wide from a Jude through ball, who in the next attack had a chance on the half-volley but blazed it wide. The deserved second came after some tenacious play from Dylan gave Wilbur a chance - he ripped a beauty from 25 yards and Balham were two up.

In the second half the Whites switched to 4-1-4-1 and Chris put on a masterful performance at CDM. With George switched to a deep playmaker role at the centre of defence, Balham absolutely dominated possession and stroked the ball around skilfully. It did not take long for the third: Dylan showing great composure after a defensive mistake. Jude had another long-range effort well saved but the fourth did not take too much longer. Wilbur and Max had played a short corner, with the midfielder driving down the bye-line. With several Balham players queuing up for the pass-back, instead it was deflected in his own net by a hapless defender.

There was nearly time for a fifth from an excellent glancing Ty header after Joe had crossed the ball in. The keeper made a flying save to deny him, and a defender prevented Alex's follow-up going in with a goal-line block.

Epsom were rattled at the end, with the tall centre-half picking up a booking for a horrific tackle on Sammi who thankfully was ok to carry on. As the minutes ticked by, it was clear the game was well over and the boys left with a handsome victory. The boys face the same opposition next week, and could do with another victory to set up a thrilling last-day encounter against Sutton. Many congratulations to Ashford whose victories in the double-header today confirm them as Champions.

Ashford 2:1 Sutton Common

Sutton Common 2:3 Ashford

Reigate 1:0 Carshalton

Mitcham Park L:L Worcester Park

Walton & Hersham 0:4 Farnham

Balham remain fourth, but are now only a point behind Sutton Common with a game in hand. In the likely scenario that Mitcham won, they will remain behind us on goal difference but with a game in hand.

Ashford (Max points: 50 / PPG: 48.2)

Walton (A), Mitcham Park (H), Mitcham Park (A)

Sutton Common (Max points: 35 / PPG: 33.7)

Balham (A)

Balham (Max points: 37 / PPG: 34.4)

Epsom (A), Sutton Common (H)

Mitcham Park (Max points: 40 / PPG: 35.0)

Worcester Park (H), Worcester Park (A), Ashford (H), Ashford (A)