VWFC vs Balham
26/07/2018 Virginia Water 2-1 Balham
Pre-Season Friendly
Report by Ceri Jones
Virginia Water gave the reaction that was expected from manager Ceri jones, with a hard fought victory and a good work out against a strong Balham side.
In stifling heat, both sides played a very entertaining match that could have gone either way.
Waters went ahead on 20 minutes when Adam McNamara (MoM) crossed for Josh Guichard to head home inside the box.
On 32 minutes Waters conceded a harsh penalty, that Matt Jones saved in goal to preserve Waters’ lead.
But Balham pressed for an equaliser, and again were denied by some top saves and resolute defending, with Finn Evered and Marc Lansdowne stand out performers at the back.
Balham pressed further in the second half, and got a deserved goal when their striker volleyed home from close range.
Not to be outdone, Waters pushed forward, and after McNamara was brought down in the box, Josh Hill stepped up to slot home the spot kick on 75 minutes, which turned out to be the winning goal.
It was a much-improved performance and a good effort from all the players helped Waters hold out for the win.
Waters in action against Balham
Team (first half):
Matt Jones
Josh Hill
Michael Chambers
Finn Evered
Dom Clarke
Liam Whyte
Sam Devoil
Lorenzo Di Felice
Louis Sanders
Scott Jackson
Adam McNamara
Team (second half):
Matt Jones
Josh Hill
Finn Evered
Mike Chambers
Max Samyint
Richard Bond
Liam Whyte
Harry Brooks
Ryan Curtis
Harvey Griffiths
Jake Baker