Balaga Tongo 4-2 School Boy Errors

After a deep discussion between Tom, Phil and Kevin at Saturdays beer fest, optimism was again high before this week match. Those tactics were pretty much forgotten because a lot of drink had been consumed. So Phil with the help of an associate, Jim Butler of Almaty Athletic, came up with the idea of a 3-1-1 formation. Deano had still not recovered from the calf injury so Damo Kennedy moved up front/midfield and Shane Deane came along as sub.

The last time these two teams met School Boy Errors came away with a narrow 2-1 victory and tonight's game proved close again. It was well into the first half before School Boy Errors got any clear cut chances. Tongos new formation appeared to be working well. When they got the chance Tom and Kev ran down the wings in support of the sometimes stranded Webz and Damo, although a few chances were created it appeared that Balaga were sticking to the game plan. They continued this even after School Boy Errors scored a soft goal. Unlike most weeks Tongo didnt drop their heads and belief appeared by present for a change. Scoring goals hasn't been a problem for Balaga this season, its been conceding them. Before this game the Cucumbers had scored 24 but leaked 57, so they stuck to the same 3-1-1 formation and it proved a wise decision as two quick goals put Balaga 2-1 up, scored by Webz and Phil O'D, who made a rare run forward.

Some tireless running by Damo up front and knacker'ed legs forced a change with Deano's brother Shane moving into midfield. Balaga were now playing a great counter attack game which eventually paid dividends with Shane scoring his first goal for the Cucumbers. 3-1, a position rarely seen by the FC Balaga Tongo. School Boy Errors were beginning to exert more pressure and left gaps in their defence. An injury picked up by Webz forced the next substitution with Damo coming on and slotting back into the forward role. Within 2 minutes he put Balaga 4-1 up. These dizzying heights were never seen before except when Balagas 2nd team beat some crowd in their 1st season 7-1, but that doesn't really count as none of the current crop of players played that night. Half time soon followed and Balaga's next mission was not to get too big headed as they've been guilty of in previous half time leads.

Second half began with exerted pressure from School Boy Error's. Balaga were pushed further and further back but still looked solid. Eventually the break through came though from an Error's corner kick. After some trapped wind was released by Tom, the Balaga rearguard lost concentration and the set piece was conceded, 4-2. The rest of the half was pretty much the same as it begun. Balaga were defending bravely but were under severe pressure. Blake who was back between the sticks after last weeks heroics had little to do though. A testament to the new formations defensive sturdiness. Tireless running and chasing was done by both Damo and Shane who held the ball superbly to ease the tension in the back line. Phil O'D was playing a great sweeper's role and had the skillful Error's forward in his pocket. Tom was the only defender who was making runs to help the front 2 with Kev staying back to cover for most of the half.

School Boy's were getting more and more frustrated, being 2nd in the table they needed this victory to stay in touch with the runaway leaders, Route 1 Football. The break through never came for them though and frustration spilt over with minutes to go. Kev had the ball in defense and was shielding the long haired asshole for Error's off the ball. This didn't last long as the hippie picked Kev up and threw him like a rag doll to the ground. Tom was quickly over to push the lunatic off the stunned Kev. A scuffle followed between Kev and the hippie before the ref calmed down the bitchy handbags and sent the Error's player to the bench with a red card. Another followed for the other big fella from Error's who proceeded to tell the ref to f*%k off. Error's were down to 4 and Balaga fancied their chances of reducing the poor goal difference they had racked up but time elapsed and the final whistle was blown.

A tremendous 4-2 victory for Balaga with an all round great team performance. Balaga now have 4 points and have still to play the 2 teams just above them. If results go their way and they beat both The Astronauts and The Strawberries, Tongo may have a chance of finishing 6th. Although Tongo have never strung 2 wins back to back, so this may be a tall order indeed.