Similar outcome, improved performance

Mitcham Park 7 Balham 2

Balham had the chance to put things right against Mitcham, and for the majority of the first half it looked like they would. The Whites started well, passing the ball well, and looking the more accomplished football side to begin with. Despite the ongoing and fresh set of injuries and absences, it looked like a much more positive result was on the cards. A change in formation in the second half unbalanced the side though, and the boys ended up on the wrong end of another heavy defeat.

On a windy day, Balham seemed to have the measure of their dangerous strikers much more than 2 weeks ago, yet the team in red and black scored with their first attack. Balham had plenty of possession and attacks but could not really create any clear-cut chances, and it was no surprise to see them punished from a corner after the ball was not cleared. The home side shortly added a third, with a chance which looked offside, and the game was over before half-time. Whilst George scored a superb free-kick to grab one back, the boys trudged off 3-1 down at half-time.

The second half saw a more battling one than the game two weeks ago, but a change in formation, and yet another period with ten players due to injuries, unsettled the side and Balham lost control of midfield. The home side scored four unanswered goals and were looking very strong throughout. George rifled home a penalty for his tenth of the season after Max was felled in the box, and the boys battled to the end, but were beaten by a better side.

With yet another break next week, Balham return with back to back fixtures against the bottom two in the league, and they really need to turn around their results as the season draws to a close.