Big dollop of deja vu

Balham 1 Sheen Lions 2

For the second week running, Balham can count themselves really unlucky to have come away with a defeat. With countless chances, the Whites have to be more clinical to start picking up points. The boys played some excellent football today, with some lovely passing in midfield particularly in the first half, but switched off twice to end up on the wrong end of a very tight match.

Sheen had won both their games this season, but Balham were at least their equal. They started well in the delayed lunchtime kick-off, with some excellent passing along the floor. With all the possession though, the boys were limited to long-range shots from Wilbur and James, and Jude being incorrectly flagged offside. Sheen did not show much in the first 15 minutes, and set themselves up to play a direct game of football with a traditional 442 system. Charlie had two good attempts from corners - the first was well blocked and the second was tipped over from the goalkeeper. As seems to be happening a lot this season, Balham then suffered a sucker-punch with Sheen's first shot of the game - an excellent half-volley which flew into the corner of the net. Balham had one more chance before half-time after Charlie and Matthieu combined excellently but Max's shot went wide.

A frustrated bunch of boys trooped off at half-time, but for all of their possession they really should have created more chances.

The second half was a different affair - Balham sacrificed some control in midfield, but were able to create several more chances with a change in formation. With Matthieu causing havoc on the right flank, the Whites looked much more dangerous - with Max just unable to get to the ball before the keeper after. The game then turned in the space of a minute. Wilbur, playing in a more advanced position, put over a lovely floated cross which an unmarked Jude headed over the bar. With a rare attack, Sheen doubled their lead - with the Balham defence wide open and all of the midfielders up front.

Balham were able to pull one back quickly from a free-kick on the right. Alex, who had impressed with his shooting in training on Thursday, took the set-piece and the new experiment worked. A brilliant cross was met by Matthieu 3 yards out and the Whites were back in it. Frustratingly, they almost certainly should have been given a penalty after a clear push in the area from a corner but the ref - the Sheen coach given the ref no-show - refused to give it.

There then followed a kamikaze last few minutes as Balham pushed for the equaliser. Jacob pulled off an excellent diving save from a Sheen break, and saw a dangerous free-kick just over the bar. The boys will kick themselves as they had two exceptional chances in the last few minutes: Matthieu's left-foot shot somehow drifted wide, and both Sammi and James had golden chances in the last Balham attack of the game.

The Whites do not have an opportunity to resolve their League form now until 30th October with two Cup games and half-term to come. Judging by today's results, it should be another tight game against Epsom & Ewell Colts in the SYL Cup next Sunday:

Farnham Town Youth Blues 2:3 Epsom & Ewell Colts Blues

Mitcham Park Stripes 1:1 Carshalton Athletic Youth Whites

Reigate Priory Youth Eagles 1:1 Walton & Hersham United Juniors

Sutton Common Rovers Colts Yellows 3:2 Worcester Park Colts Blues