Balham Athletic 6 vs 5 TEFA

Well today certainly was not our day.

Unfortunately due to illness two players pulled out at the last minute, which left us with only 11 men. So we knew it was going to be tough (especially with TEFA's recent record with injuries)

The first half was a mess. There was no real composure and a severe lack of communication (nothing like our last two games). Balham had two decent strikers who were running the defense ragged. They scored two quick goals (one was a penalty) then Jubz pulled one back. However they then scored again to make it 3-1. Then another lapse in the defense organization, the monster centre back scored a header from a corner. 4-1. Simon scored a great free kick just before half time to soften the blow.

Halftime it was 4-2

Second half was much better. We raised our game and we were competing all over the pitch. Eventually it paid off. A nice link up play led to Jubz scoring his second goal. 4-3

However it did not last long. Balham retaliated then with another goal. 5-3

Mike then scored a 40-yard lob (some call it fluke) I think he meant it. 5-4

The game was really end-to-end stuff. But once again Balham hit back and scored another. 6-4 

Time was running out and TEFA threw everything forward and Stuart was able to place his shot bottom corner. 6-5

Full time.

It really was a game of two halves. TEFA really didn't turn up the first half. But we can certainly take positives from the second half. We all showed that we have that never say die mentality - and that’s what will win us games. All we can do now is move forward, learn from our mistakes and bounce back next week with a win!

Man of the match goes to Ashley Boon. He was the only player on the pitch that from start to finish battled and never gave up, winning every header and making some great tackles.