SLAM DUNC!
Sofca went into this match with confidence that they could beat the team above them in the table. The first half an hour was played in a competitive manner with neither side carving out any clearcut chances.
On 31 minutes, a defensive slip by Sofca let Balham in to score first. Within 2 minutes another bout of slack defending let Balham in for a second. Sofca started to regain their composure, and started to press for a goal. A foul by Balham just outside the box led to a free kick, but Duncan's kick was just over the bar. A couple of half chances came for both teams but the score remained the same until half time.
At half time the coach changed the formation and brought on Nathan. A much better half started with Nathan supported by John Edgar causing problems for Balham's defence. On 51 minutes an attack started by the excellent Duncan, and assisted by John Edgar led to Ben D scoring for Sofca , albeit assisted by a Balham defender. Nathan had a good chance hit the post and threatened a couple of times more. Duncan continued to provide good attacks down the left but Sofca could not get the final shot off.
Balham continued to counter and a couple of excellent saves by Preston kept Sofca in the game. BenS came on with a quarter of the match remaining providing some steel in defence, replacing Luke who had a good first half. Phil Smith came of for John Edgar with 10 minutes remaining and made some useful runs, but as a heavy pitch wore down both sides the match petered out with the score still at 2-1 to Balham.
A loss for Sofca but an improving performance, which should lead to victory in the coming matches.
Match report by Robert
