C.Cheshire started in net (Al was briefly in attendance, but left after deciding Sunday League isn’t a spectator sport) , with Woodbridge, Beer, Sheriff Beck and Odidjia across the back. Dolby, Slater and Given were in midfield, with Peattie and Walmsley either side of Young in a 4-3-3. Wignall, Humphrey and the returning pale lanky Swede were on the bench, as Vale named a record three substitutes.

 

Pitch 7 is the new home for Vale, with the jury still out as to whether it’s better or worse than Pitch 8 - although the cricket wicket in the middle of the pitch is leaning us towards worse.

 

In a first half of little note, Vale had much the better of it - creating more chances and looking particularly dangerous when pressing Balham into mistakes high up the pitch.

 

Given’s shot was clawed away by the egg in the Balham net, and Peattie shot wide when well placed, and then couldn’t get enough on a header following a great cross from Walmsley. We knew the Christmas break was well and truly over and that Sunday Morning football had returned when Beck wailed out from centre half, appealing for a handball which was laughed away by the referee, the Balham players, the Vale players, the coaching staff and all spectators present. Beck then headed wide when well placed from a set piece. Aside from that it was cold and Balham offered little.

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HT: 0-0

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With the wind behind them this half, Vale maintained their pressure on the Balham goal - and the breakthrough duly arrived.

 

A ball towards the back post from Walmsley found Slater unmarked, who swept home well on the volley into the corner of the net (1-0). Walmsley’s xA/90 and fantasy football price continues to rise, following the assist (taking him to 8 for the season).

 

In a sentence I never thought I’d write, there were echoes of Suarez’s (Kuyt’s) goal against United from Beer (now at left-back), as he bustled his way to the bye-line before curling a right footed effort just wide of the far post.

 

As the half drew on, a great save by Cheshire kept Vale in front, with a Balham winger curling a shot towards the far corner. Moments later, a sweet half-volley was cracked against the bar from outside the area from a Balham midfielder as they enjoyed some sustained pressure. 

 

The returning Strang came on to much fanfare in the 55th minute, and promptly won his first header with one of the sounds of Sunday mornings: ‘STRANG’S’.

 

The pressure eventually told, as Odidjia was adjudged to have fouled a Balham player by the edge of the box - and from the resulting free kick Strang bulleted an own goal past Cheshire a Balham player headed in from close range to equalise (1-1).

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A Scottish Terrier briefly held play up following the goal, its cute little face not enough to distract the mighty Vale from their goal of victory. It departed without having shat on the pitch, a rare occurrence.

 

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