Woking woe as Balham snatch last-minute winner!
- nickashley6
- Sep 10, 2023
- 3 min read
Woking Cougars 1 Balham 2
Balham had an excellent away record last season, and they continued that form in the season opener in an early start down the A3. In an absolute thriller, the Whites won it with almost the last kick of the game. They showed tremendous guts and fitness on a baking hot morning, and can be pleased with their start.
The boys started tentatively on a big 4G pitch; despite George showing confidence playing out from the back the first-half was really cagey as each team tried to suss each other out. Balham did not look particularly creative going forward, and were limited to a few half-chances. Max’s snapshot was just wide and Wilbur had a couple of efforts from distance. At the other end, Jacob made a fine save to his right. Disappointingly, the home side took the lead from the penalty spot after yet another soft decision from the ref. In the last ten minutes of the half, Balham showed more energy going forward, usually via Patrick’s runs on the left. Matthieu almost burst through but had a chance blocked. In the searing heat the Whites needed to reconsider their options in the second half.
Encouragingly, the performance was transformed as the match progressed. The midfield were closer together and were able to pass through the lines more regularly, and the boys created a host of chances before a barnstorming last ten minutes.
At one stage, it looked like it would not be Balham’s day with several chances going begging: Max screwed the ball just wide, Jude could not quite connect his volley from Wilbur’s cross, and Ethan’s surging run down the right flank was stopped by the goalkeeper outside of the area - he looked lucky to remain on the pitch. A flurry of corners did not come to anything, Jude showed great skill to get a shot away at the edge of the box after yet another lung-busting run from Joe, and Wilbur hit a snatched volley just wide of the post.
As the final quarter began, the Whites had it all to do and were grateful for Jacob making an excellent one-on-one save with his feet after a wayward clearance gave the home side a rare chance. This spurred the boys on and they grabbed a deserved equaliser with 9 minute to go. After a couple of wasted corners, Wilbur’s pinpoint corner was headed in by Ty who had been moved up front for the last portion of the game.
With a few minutes to go, Balham continued to play the ball around well, with Dylan and Charlie combining a number of times, and Wilbur and Jude connecting dangerously on several occasions. Jude nearly won it after excellent skill from Matthieu but the ball fell agonisingly wide. The Whites still had the guts to go on and win it though with a quick counter-attack from George and Joe released Ty. Outmuscling the final defender, an excellent left-foot finish was celebrated by every single player and substitute as the boys’ effort and determination paid off.
An excellent start to the season, and very well done to Jamie for his first League victory as new coach. Big congratulations to Ethan too on his debut.
Not all of the results are in, but please head over to the Full Time FA link to see them. Carshalton and Sheen had convincing victories and next week’s opponents Moor Mead enjoyed a narrow victory. All stats are updated on the other tabs too.
Come on Balham - a great start!
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