Recap

These two teams have developed a rivalry in recent times, with their last meeting at Series Futsal Australia resulting in Balwyn eliminating Hume in the group stage. Hume will be looking for revenge and to get back to winning ways after suffering its first loss of the season to the champions Pascoe Vale last week. Balwyn needs a win to have any chance of being back in the top four by the end of round.

The first half began with Hume on the front foot with the Hume players looking fired up and not keen on making losing a habit. Hume’s efforts were rewarded when it took an early lead. As the half progressed, Balwyn started getting into the game and eventually found an equaliser. The half was evenly-contested with both teams not taking their chances in front of goal. Towards the end of the half, there were a few unpleasant words exchanged between the two teams but the heated argument was snuffed out by referee Harry Manaras before it got out of hand.

Balwyn looked the fresher of the two teams at the start of the second half, and it soon took the lead. Hume once again took control of the game but failed to capitilise on its dominance, even failing to score from an indirect free-kick after Balwyn’s goalkeeper handled the ball just outside of his penalty area. Balwyn made Hume pay for its wasted opportunities by doubling its lead. Balwyn scored a fourth to seal the win and move up to third place temporarily, and three points behind its opponent.