Match reports for 26/4/03

Falkirk GHG IV 0
Falkirk GHG III 2

Played out on Strathclyde University's artificial surface at Millerston, Stepps, this Reserve Plate semi-final saw these two club sides meet each other, and the fours from a league division lower, certainly give the Thirds something to think about. Opening the game on the offensive, the Fours forced the first of so many penalty corner awards, but as was to be the pattern for the game, none were put away. Ten minutes into the game, Jamie Ballantine made the first of a number of useful kicks to take the pressure of the Fours defence, and Gregor Maxwell and Ross Connell produced the pressure for a corner award that came to nothing.

Now the Thirds had come to life to show what they were made of, but quickly back came the fours with a fine solo run from John Russell, several corner awards of no avail, and a Russell ball to Iain Cameron whose shot whizzed high and clear of goal. The Thirds opened their account when Ross Connell latched onto a ball at the far post, to break the deadlock in the thirtieth minute. Connell had the chance to increase the third's lead, but Jamie Ballantine kicked the shot clear.

While the fours seemed the stronger team, with Iain Cameron taking another chance at goal in the fifteenth minute, this like so many other chances could not find the net. Cameron came so close to levelling the game with an agile dive to touch the ball in at the far post, and Danny Gibney forcing yet another corner award. Gregor Maxwell twice drove into the four's shooting circle, but Dougie Smith read the situation so well, and had him in his pocket, cleverly collecting the ball to clear it back upfield. Kevin Cummings in the third's goal had an outstanding game, and in the last ten minutes produced a string of inspiring saves as the fours searched for the equaliser, and Jason Park helped with a clearance off the line. Despite conceding a second goal, scored by Gregor Maxwell, the fours were still upfield challenging to stay in the game as the final whistle blew, to destine the Thirds to their place in the final next week against Watsonians lll.

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