Balham humbled by Heathrow

Ashford Town 4 Balham 0

After an excellent first-half showing, when Balham should potentially have been in the lead, the second-half was a calamity with a lack of energy and quality from the boys. With some key players missing against a top side, it was always going to be a tough assignment but having started so well, the end result was poor. Balham have now not won in four matches - they need to start turning this around otherwise the promise of a good season will disappear quickly. With six matches left, they need to show commitment across the whole team to finish the season as they deserve - it is up to the boys to show that over the next few weeks.

The first twenty minutes was a very even affair, with George getting on the ball frequently and regularly playing the ball into the channels. It was tight and cagey and the best chances came from long-range Balham free-kicks. Both George and Alex fired wired from around the half-way line, and Alex caused chaos with a third. Sadly no-one followed up with the goalkeeping flapping and in trouble and the boys could not capitalise.

Playing in their train tops due to a kit clash, a good quality pitch suited Balham's passing game and they created a few chances on the break. Jude held up the ball well for George who fired just wide, and Max made the keeper put in a couple of strong saves before the break.

The second-half was a different affair with the home side dominant and Balham not really in the game. Some incredibly slack defending from a corner led to the first, a set piece move with the ball rolled into the path of an onrushing attacker. Balham really should have scored from a corner in the next minute but somehow a number of the team missed an excellently weighted ball from Alex. Right from the break, Ashford scored a superb goal and it looked like the game was gone.

With two more goals being scored as the half wore on, the boys' miserable afternoon continued. Even a consolation goal wasn't to be when Dylan's strong run was somehow blocked by their defender on the line. They celebrated it like they had scored a goal - showing the passion needed to win matches like this.

Next week, Balham play Reigate, a team that somehow we lost to on both occasions last season. They should be really up for gaining revenge and getting their season back on track.

The boys are down to sixth after Mitcham beat Sheen 2-1.