Knaphill secured a crucial 2-1 win over Balham FC at Imperial Fields, with Ross Murdoch scoring a brace to continue his excellent form. Despite an early goal from Luke Hedges for Balham and a red card to Knaphill's captain Dale Burnham, Knaphill showed resilience and composure to hold on for all three points.

First Half

The match got off to a fast start, and Balham took the lead in the 3rd minute. A long throw into the box caused confusion in the Knaphill defence, and they failed to clear the ball properly. The loose ball fell to Luke Hedges at the edge of the box, and he struck it first-time, volleying it low into the bottom left-hand corner to give Balham the early advantage.

Knaphill responded in the 29th minute with a penalty. Matt Copland was brought down in the box by McCrea, though it was a soft decision, the referee pointed to the spot. Ross Murdoch stepped up and confidently slotted the ball into the bottom left-hand corner to level the score at 1-1.

In the 40th minute, Balham nearly regained the lead when Luke Hedges delivered a dangerous corner. The ball was heading straight for the top right-hand corner, but Knaphill's captain, Dale Burnham, was there to make a crucial clearance, heading the ball off the line just as it was about to cross into the net—a vital defensive intervention from Burnham to keep the scores level going into halftime.

Second Half

Knaphill came out with purpose after the break and took the lead in the 49th minute. A brilliant piece of play between Jack Baisden and Rami Halloufi saw the two combine for a quick one-two. The ball was returned to Baisden, who then played a perfectly timed through ball to Ross Murdoch. Murdoch made a perfectly timed run to stay onside, got there just ahead of the goalkeeper, calmly rounded him, and stroked the ball into an empty net to put Knaphill 2-1 up.

Knaphill continued to press, and Matt Copland had another chance in the 59th minute. He brought the ball forward and released Rami Halloufi down the right. Halloufi took a shot, but the Balham goalkeeper did well to parry it round the post, keeping the score at 2-1.In the 63rd minute, Knaphill made their first substitution, with Rami Halloufi making way for Ross Cheek, allowing Knaphill to change their shape.

A key moment came in the 70th minute when Balham played a ball over the top, and Idir Kermoud raced onto it with Dale Burnham chasing him. The two collided in the box, and after a shoulder barge from Burnham, the referee deemed that Burnham had denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity and showed him a straight red card, leaving Knaphill with 10 men for the remainder of the match.

Balham had a chance to equalise in the 72nd minute when Samuele Pagano stepped up to take the penalty after Burnham's red card. Pagano struck it to the left, but Sam Gray read it brilliantly, diving to make a fantastic save. The rebound fell straight to Luke Hedges, who was running in, but he fired the ball high over the bar, wasting the golden opportunity to level the score.

In the 75th minute, Knaphill made another substitution, with Kingsley Anokye coming on for Yahaya Kamara, who had worked tirelessly in the midfield. Then, in the 82nd minute, Sid Cannon and Matt Copland combined well, with Copland getting a shot off. However, his effort whisked just past the right post, keeping the score at 2-1.

In the 84th minute, Ben Mitchell replaced Ross Murdoch, who had worked hard for his two goals. Knaphill looked to maintain their lead as the game entered the final stretch. Then, in the 88th minute, George Sellick raced clear and cut inside. Just as he was about to pull the trigger, a last-ditch tackle from Ollie Meadows deflected the shot onto the crossbar, keeping the game alive for Balham.

In the closing stages, Sam Gray was instrumental in securing the win for Knaphill. He dominated his box, making crucial punches to clear corners and claiming the ball confidently to relieve the pressure on his defense. His composure in those final moments helped keep Balham at bay, ensuring Knaphill's 2-1 victory.

Final Thoughts:

This was a crucial win for Knaphill, who battled hard to overcome the early goal and captain Burnham's red card. Murdoch's brace proved the difference, and the team's determination and solid defensive work secured the three points.

Player of the Match: Sam Gray
Sam Gray gave a commanding performance, which was instrumental in securing the win for Knaphill. He made a crucial penalty save, dealt with frequent balls into the box, and dominated his area throughout the match, ensuring Knaphill held onto their 2-1 lead.

Line Ups:

Balham:
Smith, McCrea (Skeene 86'), McCrea, Kyei (Pagano 59'), David (C), Meadows, Henry, Ghazaryan (Arias 66'), Stewart (Anderson 50'), Adebayo, Keene (Kermoud 66')

Knaphill:
Gray, Glover (C), Burnham, Kamara (Anokye 76'), Cannon, Copland, Carrod, Toure, Sellick, Cooke (Stanic Stewart 66'), Murdoch (Mitchell 84'), Cooper-Smith, Halloufi (Cheek 75'), Baisden, Mitchell

Match Details:
Date: Saturday, 15 March 2025
Kick-off: 3:00 PM
Full-time: Balham 1-2 Knaphill
Halftime: Balham 1-1 Knaphill
Venue: Imperial Fields, Tooting & Mitcham United
Attendance: 59

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