Wasteful Balham miss hatful of chances

Old Ruts 1 Balham 1

Balham created enough chances to win this game handsomely, but unfortunately lacked composure in front of goal on many occasions. The boys can be happy that they came back from an improbable losing position, and they dominated possession, territory and shots on goal. Perhaps that's why there was a deflated feel at the end, but they remain unbeaten and can be pleased with their start to the season as an outfit still gelling together.

Early on, Balham created the first chance after some nice play from Damian R down the right. It was a tough chance for Jude whose left foot shot sailed wide. Soon afterwards, Charlie was fouled down the right, and George's free-kick caused chaos in the defence but they scrambled it clear. As the match settled down, it was clear that the Whites were the stronger team; they passed the ball around well, although struggled to create too much incision with a congested midfield to deal with. The home side seemed to be reliant on the long ball forward and rarely were able to pass the ball around comfortably. They did create a couple of setpieces, which had potential danger due to their larger height, but Balham defended well including an excellent clawing save from Jacob after a mishit cross. Igor also tracked back excellently to tackle a striker about to unleash a shot.

Balham did have the ball in the net from Jude but the goal was chalked off for offside. Max, who had come on for Lucas suffering from a groin injury, had two close shots from the edge of the area, after some good pressing from Igor. The best chance of the match then came to Jude who curled a beuatiful free-kick towards goal. It looked destined for the top corner but somehow the keeper got his hands to it to pull off a great save.

The boys had another chance from a free-kick after an excellent cross from George. Unfortunately Igor and Jude got in each other's way at the far post and the ball fell agonisingly wide.

Then came the sucker punch. After a sloppy throw-in was given away, the boys did not set themselves up to defend it quickly enough. With players out of position, a cross across the area was tapped in for a simple finish.

As the second half started, Balham knew they were the stronger side and started like a steamtrain. For the first ten minutes, the Whites were dominant, with Jude having a couple of half-chances, Junior thwarted at the last gasp after a lovely through ball from Alex, and Joe nearly creating a chance for Lucas, back on the pitch. With some excellent play down the right from Igor and Lucas it looked like a carbon copy of the home side's goal was on the cards, but a bobbly ball was bundled over by Jude.

It looked like it might be one of those days, and with a rare attack, the home side finally threatened. Jacob pulled off an excellent save with his feet with the striker clean through and the Whites were still in the game. More chances were missed before the equaliser came, with Max, Lucas and Jude all firing wide or over from the edge of the box. Finally, the deserved goal did arrive, after a mistake from the centre-half gave Max a chance. Sprinting though on goal, he showed composure to poke the ball past the keeper.

With only a few minutes left, it really felt that only side might win it. George's free-kick on the edge of the box was excellently saved by the keeper though, and even though he spilled Wilbur's free-kick kust before the end, the keeper kept the home goal intact.

The boys have the chance to extend their unbeaten run next week against Esher Youth, another newly promoted side. Having been thrashed 6-2 at home today, Balham should be very confident going into the match. Carshalton are the only side to have won both matches to date.