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A top of the table clash between two teams likely to be slugging it out at the end of the season didn't quite produce the football we now come to expect at Birchgrove. With a mission to close down play, get 11 men behind the ball and send in long balls Greenisland could have been mistaken for taking a leaf out of the Old Wimbledon FC's book!

The game started (as it did finish) with one almighty arm wrestle, both defences snuffing out any chances created, with Greenisland the busier of the two. With the influential left winger Deasey sidelined, most of Balmain's wing play was left (or should that be right?) to Modena and the winger tried to get himself into the game but was endlessly upended for his trouble. A sickening clash where Gavin Croall took it upon himself to attack the elbow of a Greenisland player with his nose saw the former receive a nasty gash that needed stitches, but the gutsy Scot battled on regardless of the referee's gutless handling of the matter.

As the second half began it seemed the game would die to a dull 0-0 but in the 47th minute a hopeful punt into the box, a ricochet here, a bobble there, and the ball presented itself to a Greenisland striker who took no time in dispatching the ball to the far corner. Balmain now began to press but for all their approach play that final ball seemed to elude them. It seemed it was not The Gold Men's day when Johnny Bunoavoglia went down under a clumsy challenge to see the whole of Birchgrove's penalty appeal turned away. With the game becoming ever more frustrating that frustration was compounded when an opportunist shot that was miss hit from 25 yards, somehow eluded Delaney and as if by magic Greenisland were 2-0 up. That was pretty much it and as much ball as Balmain had they could not break down a resilient Greenisland defense.

The final whistle went and you'd think Greenisland had won the final but that's what it means to teams to beat Balmain these days and good luck to teams that do. As for celebrating? We prefer to do it at the end of the season.

The earlier fixture saw the Reserves play some quality football in a 7-1 demolition of their opponents. Daniel Totaro led the scorers with a hat trick, while Jem Richardson grabbed a double including the goal of the day with a peach of a volley. Four wins from four now and the reserve team continues to apply relentless pressure for positions in the first grade squad.