Honours even in well-matched game

Balham 2 Epsom & Ewell 2

On a fresh and blustery day, Balham put a stop to their losing run and on another day could have nicked a victory. Again with absences on top of the three long-term injuries, the squad did not have as many bench options as the opposition. It was fantastic to see James back playing though!

Epsom probably play in the closest style to us - they like to pass from the back and hassle and press when not in possession. Our own press had caused them all sorts of issues last year, and Jamie instructed the boys to do the same in a new 4-2-3-1 formation. It was a very even start to the game until Balham had a great chance after 15 minutes. After Matthieu had been fouled on the edge of the box, George's lofted free-kick looked like it was in but sadly it hit the bar. At the other end, Alex made an excellent save over the bar from a lofted shot but Balham were looking more dangerous. Ethan's excellent run down the left flank nearly resulted in something but no-one in the box could get on the end of it. A deserved lead did come though after an excellent press from Matthieu released Jude to drive home the opener.

Joe showed excellent defending to block a dangerous Epsom break and the half ended with George hitting the crossbar again from a free-kick, this time from further out.

The boys were pleased to be ahead but knew that the opposition would put up a better fight in the second half and so they did. After a scrappy start to the half, Balham switched off in defence for the equaliser with far too many players gathered in one area of the pitch leaving an attacker with a simple tap-in. Balham had a couple of half-chances from Semi and George but could not capitalise, living to rue these a couple of minutes later when an unmarked striker tapped in a rebound again. With their own two chances, Epsom were ahead.

The boys rolled up their sleeves and really went for a deserved equaliser. It came in an unexpected way after James had unleashed a 30 yard belter against the bar. Jude was quick to pounce on the rebound, and his deflected shot left the keeper helpless for his 15th and Balham's 50th goal of the season.

Balham looked the more likely in the last ten minutes and looked like they may have. chance to win it with the last play of the game - another free-kick in a dangerous spot. Sadly this time George's shot sailed wide and the boys had to make do with a well-fought draw.