Match reports for 14/12/02

Falkirk GHG 2
Harris 5

Against a strong Harris side sitting 2nd in the league, Falkirk held their own for much of the first half, losing the first goal to a penalty corner, but equalising after a court length pass from Stafford Dickson was collected by Michael Watson who shot past the keeper. At the end of the half, only a goal line clearance prevented Iain Fraser's reverse stick shot giving the local side an interval lead. The second period started with Harris on the
offensive, and after taking the lead within the early minutes of the half, gradually increased their advantage to a commanding 4 goal lead. Falkirk did have chances to make the game closer, but despite their best efforts, their only consolation was a Watson goal from a penalty corner.

Falkirk GHG 6
Watsonians 5

Falkirk got off to a flyer in their second match of the day, Douglas Nicol setting up Michael Watson to score with a reverse stick deflection, and then reversing roles, this time Nicol scoring with a strong flick from the top of the circle. Although Watsonians pulled a goal back, Falkirk restored their advantage with Watson rounding the keeper to score. Watsonians put the Falkirk defence under considerable pressure for the rest of the half, and despite having a series of penalty corners, were only able to pull a single
goal back as fine goalkeeping from Stephen Egan and a number of goal line clearances saw Falkirk hold onto a slim lead at half time. A goal from Arthur Robertson at the start of the second half saw Falkirk increase their advantage, only for Watsonians to come back strongly to tie the game, before moving in front for the first time in the match at 5-4. Stephen Egan in the Falkirk goal made a number of saves to keep the locals in touch, the pick of the bunch being an incredible block, low to his right, that prevented a
certain goal. This spurred Falkirk on and they equalised with only 90 seconds remaining, Iain Fraser's run and pass being converted by Robertson. A draw looked likely until, with 30 seconds remaining, Stafford Dickson converted a penalty corner routine to retake the lead. With time having almost run out, Watsonians had one last charge, and thought that they had equalised right on the buzzer, only for the umpire to disallow the goal for an earlier infringement, and hand Falkirk a hard fought 3 points.

Falkirk GHG III 2
Grange III 2

It was a depleted Edinburgh side that arrived at the Bathgate astro for the last league fixture before the festive recess, and Falkirk had a perfect chance to do real damage on a side with a stand-in goalie wearing a pair of elderly cricket pads for league protection. Not withstanding this provision of this basic equipment, the goalie produced some astounding and instinctive saves to thwart the efforts of the Falkirk side. Possession was the order of the game and the side making a bad pass would give the other the ball and the chance to take the initiative. Time and again Falkirk swept up the park with good interpassing, but the shots were wide and clear of goal courtesy of Johnathan Nugent, and Ross Connell, while Derek Morrison hit the post with his attempt at goal. Jonathan Reid made the opener, and for a while Falkirk hung onto this slender lead until the visitors levelled. When the visitors again went ahead, Falkirk had to put all they had into the attack and were rewarded with the equalised shortly before the final whistle when Johnathan Nugent managed to extricate the ball in a goalmouth melee and despatch it into the net. Falkirk then grimly hung on until the final whistle which saw them breathe a big sigh of relief.

Grange V 2
Falkirk GHG IV 1

The Fourth team gave all they had in this game at St. George's School in Edinburgh. Barry Warner found the net after an interesting deflection, and Jamie Ballantine in goal have several interesting saves, aided by David Craig saving off the line. Grange came back into the game, and scored twice, but the closest Falkirk could get was from the stick of Adrian Lewis but it was not to be close enough for a share of the points.

Grange VII 0
Falkirk GHG VI 1

The young Falkirk team went to Edinburgh to play a strong Grange adult team with the bare eleven players due to late call offs, and play they did. Falkirk opened the scoring early on through good passing play on the grass which resulted in Jonathon Nugent slipping the ball past the Grange keeper. Grange then started to play hockey and pressurised the Falkirk goal which held firm with captain Chris Taylor back in goals for his first time this season showing that he had not lost any of his skills. Grange almost equalised in the first half but Graham Pitcaithly cleared off the line. Falkirk were reduced to ten men due to an injury to John Galloway for most of the first half but injured or not John came back on to continue playing for the second half and then went to hospital to get the possible fracture checked. Grange started the second half pushing Falkirk back into their own half but again the defence held firm. Falkirk did have one or two breakaways into the Grange half but no second goal came. This again was another fine win for the youngest team in the league showing that skills do make a better team.

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