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Balmain bounced back to winning form with a scrappy 2-1 win over the visiting Sydney Cedars on Saturday. Steve Lewis was able to resume his partnership up front with Julian Bracewell after spending a couple of matches in between the sticks. The two strikers combined to give Balmain the early lead when Bracewell was nudged inside the box and Lewis bounced in the resultant penalty. The Cedars equalised before the break when some lazy defending allowed a through ball to pass. Despite having their initial shot parried, another Cedars played chipped the rebound into the net.

With neither side able to settle into a comfortable rhythm with the ball, the second half began to resemble a game of hot potato. The crowd appeared more interested in Marcus McMillan's kebab crafting skills, and the game was in desperate need of a touch of class to liven things up. The touch was duly provided courtesy of the Bracewell and Lewis combination. Bracewell turned his marker out wide and played a smart ball into the feet of Lewis who turned and shot low and hard. The keeper managed a fine save that fortunately fell into the path of Henrik Andersson, who belted in his first goal of the season. A tireless display in midfield, along with the winning goal, earned Andersson the Exchange Hotel man of the match award.

The Reserve team turned in a performance well below their best, but still did just enough to claim a 2-1 victory. The Cedars grabbed the initiative when a quick passing move ended with a Cedars player unmarked in the box with enough time to read the paper before sliding in his shot to make it 1-0. Balmain then enjoyed 20 minutes of dominance without really testing the keeper before a moment of controversy. Balmain had the ball in the back of the net but the referee neglected to play the advantage and instead awarded a penalty for a foul in the build-up. Dylan Zammit stood up to take the penalty but his effort was saved, only for the referee to order it to be taken again. Jem Richardson then took the penalty but almost made a vein in Dave Grill's head explode when his shot went wide. Balmain Reserves are now on the lookout for anyone, anywhere, who can take a penalty. Balmain's frustration levels were reduced somewhat shortly after when a low cross from Steele Bonus was bundled into the Cedars' net for an own goal.

A half time rollicking from Alex Kaltenegger did little to improve the Tigers in the second half and, with less than 10 minutes on the clock, a loss looked just as likely as a win. Balmain came up with the goods though when Honza Capek latched onto Hugo Muecke's throw-in and raced clear down the left. Approaching the keeper he unselfishly cut the ball inside to Richardson who tapped in the winner. Defensive rock Eamon Byrne earned himself the Exchange Hotel man of the match for his performance at the back.