We'll take the points!

Reigate Priory 1 Balham 2

It was an early start for the strong contingent of Mums on Mother's Day, who saw Balham return to winning ways. It was one of those days when you just 'take the points'; Balham really should have scored half a dozen such was their dominance. But for some excellent goalkeeping, the woodwork and some wasteful finishing, they should have had the match wrapped up by half-time.

With 25 points on the board, Balham have already exceeded last season's total of 24 with five matches to spare. They can be really pleased with the improvement.

The 4G pitch suited Balham, and the Whites dominated possession, territory and shots on goal. They also had over a dozen corners and were clearly the stronger side. Somehow the game remained goalless for the first 20 minutes: an unmarked George headed against the bar from a corner, Matthieu had a couple of one on ones which the keeper stopped, followed by a superb scissor kick which was just as brilliantly saved by the goalkeeper. Wilbur's close range volley went wide and the boys' frustrations were rising. It nearly got worse - with their first attack of the game, it required an alert Jacob to prevent a smash 'n' grab goal one on one.

Finally, as the half was drawing to a close Balham bundled one in from a corner. Despite shouts of handball, George got the final touch and the boys deservedly led. Both James and Jude had chances to double the lead before the break but it was not to be. Tomasz made it clear he was unhappy with the profligacy at half-time, and the boys recognised that there needed to be an improvement.

The second half continued in a very similar manner: Jude's excellent cross just evaded three onrushing attackers; Alex's header from a corner hit the bar after a touch from the keeper; an unmarked Ty could not finish from a Wilbur free-kick and a trigger-happy ref blew up for handball at the edge of the area when James could have played advantage.

As often happens in these situations, the home side then struck. Having not posed any danger at all, Balham switched off from a throw-in to give their right winger a chance to cross. He did expertly for a tap-in and Reigate were level.

Thankfully, the Whites struck straight back to regain their lead with a lovely low free-kick from Alex finding the corner of the net. There were several more chances before the match ended, with both George and Wilbur coming close and Balham unfortunate not to get a penalty after what looked like a blatant handball.

With five games to go, Balham are almost certainly going to have to win them all to gain promotion. They have risen to 5th but Ashford, Farnham and Mitcham look very well placed given the number of matches they have played. The leaders Sutton Common only have three matches left and two are against Ashford.

Epsom & Ewell 2:5 Ashford Town

Sheen Lions 1:6 Mitcham Park Stripes

Walton & Hersham 3:3 Worcester Park

Carshalton Athletic 3:2 Farnham Town

The table looks as follows; Mitcham looking like it will be a very tough game after their result today.

1. Sutton Common P17 32 PTS

2. Farnham Town P16 30 PTS

3. Ashford Town P13 29 PTS

4. Mitcham Park P13 27 PTS

5. Balham P15 25 PTS

6. Epsom & Ewell P16 23 PTS

7. Sheen Lions P16 22 PTS

8. Carshalton Athletic P16 22 PTS