League leaders Quinns suffered their first defeat of the All Flags Division Two season after they were beaten 3-2 by the improving Balga at Gumblossom Park.
The visitors were ahead on 20 minutes, with Jimmy Taneski scoring, but Liam McGurk levelled five minutes before the break, tapping home from close-range. The home side hit the front just after half time through Jon McGahern, but they then had Jay Marsden sent off. Then on a quick counter attack Balga equalised through Lee James. Quinns were then reduced to nine men when Callum Trayner was shown a second yellow card.
Balga made their numerical advantage count with the winner with five minutes remaining. James sent clear from a neat through ball and he fired home much to pleasure of the visiting supporters. “It was a massive three points away from home for us” Balga keeper Ollie Rigler said. “We showed tremendous character, patience, determination and belief that we could come away with the points.” The gaffer has given us the hunger and mind set to know we can put a stamp on the game and has let everyone know we’re not here to make up numbers. The score line didn’t reflect the way we played, and we should’ve taken a few more chance, but to come away with the win against a side that’s had a very good start is great for us.”