Balmain Rovers travelled to Hughes Park to battle Earlwood for this top-of-the-table clash. Both sides came to the match undefeated with wins in each of the preceding three rounds. The unusually warm April weather continued with perfect if slightly warm conditions for soccer. Hughes Park was in good condition, with the exception of the mandatory cricket pitch in the middle of the field.

A number of changes were made to the Balmain side that defeated Lakemba 11-0 the week before to accommodate a range of injuries. Nick Agafonoff, with an injured ankle, started in goal to cover for the unavailable Johnny Barker; Mikee further demonstrated his versatility by moving from full back to share centre midfield with Pier and cover for James who was also out for the week. Emrys Hughes started at left midfield, leaving Ally on the bench with a back injury, and Bruce Fackerell joined Ricky at centre back.

From the start, it was clear that Earlwood were going to provide some real opposition. Balmain began well, keeping pressure on Earlwood and were rewarded after 10 minutes with a goal when Rob cleverly redirected a back-pass into the back of the net. Earlwood lifted and the next period of play was hard fought, with Balmain trying to consolidate their lead and Earlwood searching for the equaliser. Play was relatively scrappy, as each side was deprived of time on the ball and each side tested the other with attempts on goal.

Earlwood broke through with an equaliser about 15 minutes before half time, following the failure of the Rovers defence to chase down a long ball. Just five minutes before half time, Earlwood took the lead when one of their forwards did some skilful work to dribble past Balmain’s keeper and knock the ball into the net. Shortly afterwards, Nick was replaced as keeper by Ben (Balmain’s top goal scorer) after Nick further aggravated his ankle injury in a collision with one of Earlwood’s forwards.

The second half began much the same, although now it was Balmain trying to rally for the equaliser. Ricky made some inspiring runs from the defence to attack the Earlwood goals. Pier, Emrys, Mikee and Jon continued to toil in midfield. Mark Bamford came on for Emrys and injected some clver moves from the left. Ally came on for Jon on the right, bringing energy and dash and the prospect of a send-off if he continued to let the Earlwood players get under his skin. But, despite some inspiring moments such as Bruce heading off the line, it wasn’t to be Balmain’s day. Another valiant attempt to clear the ball from the box led to an own-goal bringing the score-line to 3-1. Shortly afterwards Earlwood scored a fourth.

Despite the score, Balmain showed character and continued to press for a break-through. However, Rovers failed to capitalise on possession, spraying long balls up to the forwards in a frantic attempt to redress the score-line. With Ben justifying the decision to play him in goal with some courageous keeping, Rob Liney was left solo up front to tangle with a tight Earlwood defence. Balmain’s run of poor luck finally turned when the Earlwood keeper lost his cool and ran to the half way line to give Ally an up close and personal view of his negotiating skills. Balmain players on the left of the park quickly spotted the opportunity and hastily played an attack down the left side of the field. The Earlwood keeper raced back to his line and arrived just in time to be beaten by a well placed shot by Brian.

The Pele points go to:

2 - Rob Liney - great effort
2 - Ricky Onsman - for his great defence and surging runs from the back
1 - Brian Yeung - gritty performance and didn’t give up
1 - Ben Jones - some great save and a big sacrifice to play in goals

For a few founding members of Balmain Rovers this was a chance to reminisce and remember halcyon playing days from over five years ago where Balmain Rovers began as a disaffected few sought their own team and relocated to Balmain.

Both clubs brought undefeated records to the ground and sought to continue the excellent starts to the new season, which had given plenty of goals and only a handful conceded. In the case of the Firsts an outstanding defence had kept three clean sheets even though we had struggled with goalkeepers due to injury. If only my brother had decided to move to Australia with me!!!! A change to the team saw Paul Millard and Ammon Mackie back from injury and Dean Da Silva, fresh from his man of the match performance the previous week, reverted to left midfield. Matt Linton came in for Andy Farmery who was out injured. For some reason the belief within the team ensures no matter who plays, or where they play, they believe a win will come.

The game started positively with the Firsts putting an aggressive Earlwood under pressure from the off and retaining their composure in the face of some very undisciplined challenges. Paul Edwards set out his usual stall of power football complemented by some aggressive running on both flanks to take the game straight to Earlwood. David Hynd, with his flicks and side steps, looked assured as usual. As always it wasn’t a goal which changed the game but a moment of thuggery by an ill-disciplined opponent, who chose a cowardly off the ball elbow into Paul McDonnell’s neck.

Now as a Manager and a player I don’t always see eye to eye with officials but the young linesman showed courage and vision in highlighting the offence to the referee, who promptly sent off the rather large Earlwood midfielder - who'd been struggling to keep up with the game anyway.

This should have been the cue for Balmain to pull away following a delightful goal from Paul Edwards who, after receiving the ball inside the area, smashed a low drive into the corner - which was no less than the team deserved.

However instead of quietly continuing the good start, Paul Millard (uncharacteristically) launched a verbal assault on the referee about an over-the-top challenge, which resulted in a yellow card to complement one received just five minutes before. We will learn. The referee it seemed was eager to balance the game in terms of numbers and again yielded to opposition calls for cards to be produced. This is an evil which needs to be eradicated from the game, and I hope the Association takes note.

For the rest of the half, Earlwood hung on and Joey Nicotra (having an excellent game) had little to do behind a secure defence led by Nik Hopkins. Paul McDonnell again excelled and both Kon and Matt secured the flanks.

Leading 1-0 at halftime, I again made it clear to Balmain what was needed to win this game. A quiet confidence and belief has entered the minds of the players and their response is always spot-on. As a Manager, I can ask no more of them.

The second half began much the same as the first although without the over-the-top tackling, due to a deal struck with the referee who although he was dressed in black had a good game on the whole. We kept the same formation, resisting the urge to provide another forward to aid a hardworking Ammon Mackie. Although Earlwood threw players forward we coped, resisted and responded with another well-taken goal from Dean Da Silva who followed in on a superb Matt Clementson shot which rebounded off the cross bar.

Ben Jones made his First team field debut, in recognition of his Reserve performances, and after coming on for the hard working Ammon Mackie continued to close down the Earlwood defence giving them little time on the ball.

Even at 2-1 we kept control in spite of a Earlwood four-man attack supplemented by speculative long ball tactics which worked to get a goal back but no more than that. A final change saw Matt Clementson replaced by Mark Bamford as Clem's legs could carry him no more due to excellent running and covering.

Another win for Balmain Firsts who, along with our other sides, continue to excel and play the game as it should be played. No one holds any fear for us and we will continue to believe in our abilities. Whoever plays against us know they will have to play to their best to beat us and we firmly believe we are developing into a great side. This result was typical in that despite bookings and cards, nothing shakes us as we continue to power our way through the opposition. Let them worry about cards and whatever - we will just continue to play football (not soccer - no wonder you don’t qualify for the World Cup).

The Pele points go to:

3 - Paul Edwards - Another captain's performance of power and strength
2 - Nik Hopkins - Organisation and encouragement being two key points
1 - Paul McDonnell - Overcame an awkward elbow problem