First-class return to the pitch

Balham 3 Woking Cougars 1

An astonishing 42 days have passed since Balham last played a match, so it was an absolute joy to see them play with such passion and energy today. Despite having players missing, and losing Jacob to injury towards the end of the first half, the Whites were the dominant team and fully deserved their victory. Everyone put in a great shift and the score could have been even more handsome.

There was a relatively even start to the game, but Balham quickly won control of midfield with a tenacious Matthieu winning lots of balls and Chris sweeping up diligently. After the first incisive move of the game, some lovely passing saw Chris find Joe who fired over. A deserved lead came shortly afterwards after some excellent pressing from Max and Matthieu caused issues in their defence. Jude picked up the ball and showed great composure to find a space and roll the ball past a helpless keeper.

The Whites could have extended their lead, particularly from two consecutive Alex corners, the second of which was somehow not scrambled in. Dylan was pulled back in a promising position and Max fired over from distance but the goal didn’t come.

At the other end an unfortunate injury saw Jacob having to leave the pitch and Alex replacing him in goal. Just as the boys were adjusting, the away side scored an equaliser which seemed harsh on the boys after such a strong performance.

The beginning of the second half saw Balham under pressure for the first time in the match, but George and Patrick were resolute in defence. Having got through the first ten minutes, the boys were much more on the front foot. An exquisite through ball from Max looked like it was a perfect chance for Jude but a superb tackle from the centre-back prevented him. Jude was looking dangerous on the edge of the box and was again denied, this time by a strong save. His deserved second did come, an absolute beauty of a finish from a corner, dipping and swerving to give the keeper no chance.

It was the Whites who were pushing for more with Alex rarely troubled. Matthieu’s long-range shot took a wicked deflection and just sailed over the bar. A deserved third came with the game stretched and some strong hassling from Dylan and Jude. The ball broke to Max who showed poise to slot the ball in - a lovely and deserved finish to the match.