Ten men crush Carshalton!

Carshalton Athletic 0 Balham 5

A beaming set of boys left the Beddington pitch after their best performance of the season. The odds were against them - with Tomasz away at a wedding and COVID and injuries reducing the team to 10 fit players, but any spectator would have been forgiven for thinking the home team in red had one less player. Balham battled so hard for the full 70 minutes, with brilliant determination and passion, and not one player stopped running throughout.

The Whites have now won three League fixtures on the trot, all away from home, and have surged up to 4th in the table on goal difference. The teams occupying the top places are six points ahead, but they do play each other over the next few weeks, so all to play for.

On a bright but windy day, Balham set up in a 4-3-2 formation, which required the full-backs and midfield to cover lots of ground. They all rose to the challenge - Dylan was haring down the wing early on, combining well with Jude on the right. Despite a bright start, the Whites had to thank Ty for a goal-line clearance from Carshalton's first corner - a chance that ended up being their best of the match. Every time the reds tried to attack, Dylan, Ty, Chris and Sammi snapped into tackles, preventing much progress despite their extra man.

Balham took the lead after a super wind-assisted clearance from Ty found Jude bearing down on goal. Slightly unbalanced, the striker poked the ball into the top corner of the net with great skill leaving the keeper with no chance. The boys then looked to press their advantage home: a surging run from Patrick found George, whose long-range effort sailed wide. The Whites had a dominant spell of pressure in Carshalton's corner but could not fathom a cross to test the shaky-looking defence.

As the home team tried to mount attacks, they were faced with superb pressing and pressure from Balham: Jude and Sammi were men on a mission, hunting down the ball, tracking back and disrupting any danger. As a result, Carshalton were struggling to get out of their half and Balham's pressure resulted in a corner. An excellent delivery from Wilbur was so nearly swept in by George, but the keeper made a fine double-save to prevent the boys extending their lead. The Whites were on the front foot and were so close to scoring: Wilbur's exquisite diagonal pass across the box was so nearly swept in by Jude, and George's dancing feet set up the striker again who fired wide with his left foot.

With a rare attack, the bulky Carshalton striker struck a shot towards goal but a fine clawing save from Jacob prevented an undeserved equaliser. The boys went into half-time thrilled with their performance, but aware they would be against the wind and needing to run their hearts out in the second half.

The home side had a spell of territorial advantage in the first few minutes without really testing Jacob. Balham were finding it difficult to find their passes to the same level as in the first half and initially it looked like it would be a tough assignment to maintain their lead. As the minutes wore on, the Whites grew back into it, and quickly started to look dangerous with Jude again coming close after some lovely determination and skill.

The second did come shortly afterwards after Max, who had been holding up the ball superbly throughout the match, took down a clearance with great skill. Spotting the goalkeeper off his line, the centre-forward hit a superb lob towards goal from thirty yards, giving the lumbering No. 1 no chance. A wonderful finish and the boys surrounded the striker to recognise a cracking strike.

With the wind picking up for a spell, Balham needed to dig deep but it was clear the away side were the most determined to battle through. A driving run from Sammi beat a few defenders before Max picked up the ball to bundle it in - suffering from a horrific tackle in the process.

The match looked safe but the boys were not done yet, and they sniffed blood. George's low driving effort was well saved, and Patrick ran 80 yards down the wing with the ball himself to nearly set himself up for a wonder goal. The fourth did come after some excellent interplay between Patrick and Wilbur on the left - with Jude in on goal, the striker scored his second of the game with his left-foot.

Max had a chance for his hat-trick, and was determined to play on despite being injured after his second goal. It did come though, after some excellent play from Wilbur - still driving forward in the last few minutes. Max fired the ball in with his right foot to claim a well-deserved hat-trick and the boys were in dreamland.

Balham can be so proud of their effort and endeavour today, and have shown that they really can perform well in the League this season. Next week will be a major test against Premier Elite leaders South Park in the Cup, but after three straight wins, the boys can afford to enjoy the challenge against the best team in the age-group. Other results from today:

Epsom & Ewell Colts Blues 4:1 Worcester Park Colts

Mitcham Park Stripes 2:1 Walton & Hersham United

Reigate Priory Youth Eagles 1:5 Sutton Common Rovers Colts Yellows

Sheen Lions Lions 4:3 Farnham Town Youth Blues