Match reports for 5/4/03

Glasgow Eastbank 3
Falkirk GHG 0

Falkirk slumped to a disappointing defeat at the hands of a young Eastbank side on Saturday, but it was the manner of the defeat rather than the score line that was most infuriating, as the local side stopped playing and capitulated to a side that made the most of their home advantage. On a very bouncy park, Falkirk made the early running, and were awarded a series of penalty corners as Dougie Blakeley was fouled from every angle. With Eastbank defending solidly, they appeared willing to concede penalties, even after their first, second and third "last" warnings, and with Falkirk failing to take advantage, they were caught out when a mistake at the back allowed Eastbank to score from close range. The second half was more evenly matched as Eastbank came into the game, and they were helped when a Falkirk defender was sin binned for not committing a foul, but for the intent to kick a pass on the half way line. Remarkably, considering the clattering the Falkirk captain took in the first half , this was the first card of the game and Eastbank exploited the gap in the defence to wander into the box unopposed and lash a shot past the unprotected Morrison. Eastbank added a well worked third shortly after, as Falkirk lost all concentration and failed to create any meaningful attacks. In the last 10 minutes Falkirk tried to salvage something from the match, Watson had a weak shot saved by the keeper, and then a flick blocked after good work by Taylor. Blakeley came close again from a short corner, but was unable to make a breakthrough as Eastbank made every attempt to deny him a clear shot at goal. Falkirk's dismal day was complete when, after another Blakeley shot was saved by the Eastbank goalkeeper, Douglas Nicol lashed the rebound goal ward from 10 yards, only for it to crash off the crossbar and bounce to safety.

Falkirk GHG lV 3
Waverley Inveresk lV 0

Falkirk had the chance to go in front from a Barry Warner strike at a penalty corner award but the shot was above the height of the backboard. Good interpassing involving Danny Gibney, John Russell and Iain Cameron, created chances and Adrian Lewis hit the post with his effort. Jamie Ballantine in goal was there as usual to deny the visitors from Mussleburgh the way to goal. Again, further good inter-passing saw Gibney open the scoring. On the way to add further to the scoreline a burly defender took out Jonathan Anderson. After the break, some further blocking tactics by the back line initially kept Falkirk at bay. However, Iain Cameron was nifty with the stick, nipping in to quickly strike the second, and going on to take the third soon after to stamp Falkirk's authority on this their last league game of the season, leaving only their Plate outing next week.

Falkirk GHG V 0
Grange V 2

The first half did not see much inspiring play, except that Grange took advantage from the chance they had at goal, from a penalty corner opportunity. Joe Trodden had the first chance in the second half to level but his shot was saved off the line at a corner award, and Simon Tennant saw his shot go wide. Scott Coventry had a good run into the circle but this goof effort came to nothing in front of goal. Derek Morrison came close at a corner award, followed soon after by Scott Usher and Gordon Anderson. A second goal from the visitors from Edinburgh after a good solo run put Grange further ahead, and nothing Falkirk could do could change that, proven by the catalogue of missed opportunities which was to be their downfall.

Carnegie Juniors 2
Falkirk GHG VI 2

The home team had their early efforts in the first half rewarded with a penalty corner routine which despite the efforts of young Gordon Anderson brought them their first goal. Falkirk replied with a well-taken equaliser from Jonny Anderson. They then piled on the pressure with a well worked out meander from Jonathon Nugent and with the home defence in array, Nugent hit into the home side bottom left corner for the visitors second. The home sides' keeper and defence saved efforts from Taylor and Anderson with well-taken shots. The second half was played the same, but it was Carnegie that added to their goal tally netting the equaliser again from the same penalty corner routine with the same player, will we ever learn? In all it was a good game and Falkirk deserved the draw after been beaten earlier in the season.

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