League football returns with comfortable away win

Worcester Park 0 Balham 4

The wet weather had put paid to two League matches recently, so this was Balham's first competitive match in a month. Thankfully we were away as matches at REMG were called off again today. With a swirling wind, it was tough conditions but the Whites were able to play their passing game to good effect, particularly in the second half.

The first half was a dominant performance but somehow remained goalless with the home keeper inspired and blocking several chances. Despite Balham clearly being the better side, the home side actually had the best chance of the half with what turned out to be their only chance of the whole match. After a couple of minutes, a lovely ball from Jude picked out Max whose cross was nearly bundled in by an onrushing AJ. Jude's half volley was well saved, as were a couple more AJ chances with the keeper putting on a stellar performance. Unfortunately Lucas slipped and hurt his ankle when about to take a corner - our best wishes to him from the whole squad and parents.

The Whites continued to press, in a half reminiscent of the Carshalton game with so many chances created. Junior's mazy run saw another save, Jude showed lovely skill to create a left foot chance, and birthday boy Igor could not quite get on the end of a wicked free kick from Alex. A warning shot came with a fast counter attack which was somehow missed from a yard or two out with a bobbling ball probably the culprit. There was still enough time for Junior to create another chance with a fine run but the ball rebounded off the keeper again.

The second half saw the flurry of goals that Balham deserved, with acres of space in midfield and a dying wind making passing conditions easier. Jude's delightful reverse pass found Damian who squared the ball back across the area. Jude thumped the ball against the crossbar and it looked like the chance was gone. AJ had other ideas though as he twisted and turned in the box having picked up the rebound and rifled the shot in. Wilbur's excellent free-kick was nearly hooked in by Igor, and George and AJ combined well for another chance. A deserved second came after AJ's strength on the right resulted in a dinked cross for Jude to head home - both players now on 13 goals for the season.

Junior continued his fine goalscoring form after combining well with AJ - he has now scored 5 goals in the last 8 matches. Balham played out the rest of the half with Damian, Dom, Chris and Jacob very comfortable on the ball at the back, setting up countless attacks. Jude fired over from a corner but from our next setpiece Luke was in exactly the right spot to bundle the ball in.

A fine and well deserved result for the boys leaves us on +30 Goal Difference after 11 matches, 4 points behind Carshalton with three games in hand.