Smashing win against the League leaders!

Balham 4 BedHead 3

4-3 seems to be a popular score for the boys this season, and so it turned out again. This time, the result was in Balham's favour after an incredibly determined performance saw them win out against old foes BedHead, hitherto unbeaten in the League. The match was a thriller, end to end throughout, and in truth it could have gone either way. Pure dogged determinism saw Balham through - every player put every last ounce of effort in to secure a tremendous victory.

With the ref nowhere to be seen, Jonty bravely stepped into the midst and witnessed a passionate Balham performance at close quarters. Will, James and Jude were pressing right from the off - really looking to stamp the Whites' authority on the game. Charlie, Ty, Basil and Luca started off strongly, nicking the ball regularly in tackles and looking composed as a back four.

The difference from the previous game was phenomenal, and Balham justifiably took an early lead, albeit a fortunate one. James found himself on the right flank, put in a lovely cross, and with Will pressing the defender, he could do little more than put it into his own net.

The visitors, resplendent in their Argentina-style kit, looked dangerous though and showed why they are top of the league. A strong defender and skilful midfielder constantly set up attacks but the Whites were defending resolutely.

Minutes later, the boys were in dreamland after James calmly rounded the keeper after superb pressing from George and excellent tackling from Wilbur.

Bedhead then put on a superb spell of pressure, quickly pulling one back, immediately after hitting the bar, and then missing a great chance after a scramble. Jacob saved with a striker clean through and then pulled off an excellent save in the top corner from a left-footed free-kick from the edge of the area.

After a mistake from a Balham goal-kick, Bedhead pounced and equalised. In truth, probably a fair reflection of a dominant spell.

The boys did not let their heads drop though, and they dominated the rest of the half. Their keeper had a perilous five minutes, going walkabouts on at least three occasions as the boys continued to press. James had a fierce shot at goal which was saved, but then Gethin showed the calmest head in the ground after the keeper had loosely cleared straight to him. With the goal wide open, he finished calmly and Balham went into the break 3-2 up.

The boys had a poor start to the second half after an uncharacteristic Jacob error let a bobbly ball in for the equaliser. The keeper redeemed himself in the next minute with two exceptional saves with his feet. Dylan had to clear from the line with astute positioning, and Balham were under considerable pressure.

Against the run of play, the Whites nosed ahead again though. After a long ball into the area, Max showed sublime skill to bring the ball down, only to be felled by the keeper instantly. Gethin stepped up to ram the ball in, for his fifth League goal of the season.

James nearly extended the lead after an excellent cross but his volley just passed the post. Max then put in a superb cross which somehow evaded everyone and Balham were still up against it.

As the clock ticked into the last five minutes, Balham needed grit and determination to see the game through. They rode their luck a little with an offside decision given for a BedHead goal. It was the correct decision but the opposition coach lost his head and complained vigorously. Unbowed, the referee agreed with the linesman and the goal was ruled out. Jacob needed to make one final save at his near post, but the boys held on for a thoroughly deserved win.

Wilbur could not have summed it up better as he trudged off the pitch, exhausted. Grinning from ear to ear, he said, "It feels SO GOOD!!!". Quite right Wilbur, quite right. Well done boys.