The Sheers took a welcome 3 points after 5 defeats in all competitions through a really good performance despite losing their keeper Drew Churcwell in the first half due to injury.

Balham’s first attempt came from their second long throw in into the Sheers box that was only headed out to Balhams no 2 Olly Meadows who shot wide of the target having the goal at his mercy to score. Sheers first attempt came from the combination of Kareem Foster & Jake Horn setting up Aidan Larkin who shot over the Balham bar. On 15 minutes a Sheers corner taken by Tommy Whitby reaches Aidan Larkin at the far side who volleys the ball on target that lacked power to trouble keeper Roughton. On 20 minutes Sheers Elliot York threads a ball into the path of Callum Mackie whose shot glides past the far post. Balham start to take a grip on the game with James Anderson being put off by a slight shrug from Sheers Tom Gardner. Balham’s no 5 Mark Palmer hits a shot that the Sheers keeper saves with an out stretched leg. A series of corners from Balham are defended by a Mekhail McLaughlin header and the Sheers keeper had to punch clear to keep Balham from scoring. Balham’s no 11 Kofi Broni escapes the tug back by Sheers Tom Gardner with referee Angus McWhirter playing an advantage who then shoots that the Sheers keeper Churchwell saves the first attempt with his good positioning and with him taking the ball at the second attempt but collides with the Sheers fullback Matt Bryant that leads to him taking one to the head. Play is then held up for Churchwell to get treatment but 10 minutes later the Sheers decide he can not carry on in the game after receiving a large gash to his forehead. Substitute Seb Rowland who has been out injured from his first game on August 2nd elects himself to take the gloves. On 48 minutes Sheers Elliot York drives forward with the Balham defenders blocking his path to goal, York then sends the ball out to Tommy Whitby who scores a worldly from 25 yards to put the Sheers in front. Sheers hold out the last Balham attack with Kos Kyei shooting wide of the Sheers goal. HT 0-1.

In the first minute of the second half Sheers stand in keeper comes out to take the cross that is applauded by the Sheers supporters. Sheers make changes on 63 minutes with Aidan Larkin & Kareem Foster making way for Ethan Leeks & Harvey Valter.

Balham equalise on 71 minutes from the penalty spot with James Anderson making no mistake rifling the ball into the top of the Sheers goal. The Sheers respond with Tommy Whitby chasing down the ball who reaches the ball before going out of play to whip the ball into the Balham’s box that Harvey Valter wins the tussle with keeper Roughton to head the Sheers into a 1-2 lead on 74 minutes. A minute a later Sheers Elliot York back heads the ball from Callum Mackie’s delivery that’s has the Balham keeper Roughton scrambling at the far post to keep the ball from entering the net. George Mackie replaces Tommy Whitby with a goal and an assist on 78 minutes.

And Lucas Boxall replaces Matt Bryant on 86 minutes. Sheers go close again to scoring as the ball is sent into the Balham box that was difficult for George Mackie to get under control. Sheers score again on 84 minutes with Harvey Valter beating his defender at one side of the Balham goal to then rifle a thunderous shot into the far side of Balham’s net. Balham still continued to create chances and got one back on 90+5 with Mark Palmer heading home from a free kick that beats the Sheers substitute keeper Seb Rowland.

The belief was back in the Sheers today to take a well deserved 3 points back home.

Drew Churchwell (Seb Rowland 34), Matt Bryant (Lucas Boxall 86), Callum Mackie,

Jake Horn, Tom Gardner, Aidan Larkin (Harvey Valter 63), Tommy Whitby (George Mackie 78), Rahman Ajibola, Kareem Foster (Ethan Leeks 63), Elliot York,

Mekhail McLaughlin