Recap

Balwyn has fought for its first win of the season, coming from behind multiple times against an improved Brunswick side that was also looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss in the last round.

Balwyn started the game strongly, taking the lead early in the first half, before Brunswick hit back; the two teams went into the interval locked in a stalemate.

Brunswick took the lead twice and were pegged back both times in the second half, as the game went to a penalty shootout to decide the tie between last season’s fourth and fifth placed teams.

Brunswick had the opportunity to win the shootout but the penalty from Ruz Roslan was saved by Balwyn keeper Clayton Chapell.

Balwyn scored their next penalty in sudden-death, before Chapell saved again to win the game for Balwyn.

Man of the match: Davide Iacovissi (FC Balwyn)