Match reports for 20/3/04

Falkirk GHG 0
Uddingston 3

Falkirk slumped to their third home defeat of the season on Saturday after failing to convert chances against a very determined Uddingston side. The home side had the better of the opening exchanges, with Michael Watson firing a shot straight into the keeper after a strong run from Douglas Nicol and Steve Sutton coming close from a penalty corner. A strong run from Graham Miller was brought to an abrupt halt from the Uddingston keeper, although with the keeper lying prone and requiring treatment 4 yards from his box the challenge was adjudged to have been made inside the line by the umpire. Uddingston took advantage of this let off to score after a penalty corner scramble, and extended their lead shortly after from a penalty stroke. Falkirk hit back with Chris Anderson blasting a shot inches wide, and should have pulled one back on the stroke of half time, but Davie Ferguson's flick was blocked on the line. At the start of the second half, a cross from the right was met first time at the back post by an on-rushing Arthur Robertson, but the Uddingston keeper made an amazing reaction save to keep his goal intact. A cynical foul on Douglas Nicol resulted in Uddingston being temporarily reduced to 10 men, but even then, Falkirk were unable to cut the deficit through their own inability to convert penalty corners. Uddingston looked to have secured victory with a deflection from their own corner strike, but to the surprize of both teams, this was incorrectly ruled out by the umpire. This was only a temporary respite for Falkirk, as Uddingston tied up the game with a well worked third goal, and made amends for their 7-1 defeat earlier in the season.

Falkirk GHG III 3
Carnegie Colts 2

Falkirk eventually mustered a full side to begin this, their penultimate game of the season on the Linlithgow Academy astroturf. In what were at times atrocious weather conditions, a two goal lead at the break, thanks to Iain Cameron and John Russell, looked good for Falkirk. However, the visitors from Dunfermline came back into the game to draw level. Ten minutes from the full time whistle, Cameron again found the net, and Falkirk held on grimly, with William Simpson, returning from a period of inactivity due to injury, showing his judgement has not lost any of its sharpness whilst on the sidelines.

Falkirk GHG IV 4
Carnegie Juniors 0

Falkirk hoped to carry on their good record against the Fife sides this season with another win. From the start Falkirk pushed the Juniors into retreat, with constant pressure on their goal. It was Billy Brankin who broke the deadlock with a well driven shot past the young keeper. The Juniors were not totally outplayed but were not given the opportunity to recover from the first goal before Scott Coventry hit the second after a period of constant pressure. Then just before the break Raymond Biggarstaff hit the third rewarding the excellent interpassing and the constant pressure applied to the Juniors defence. The second half saw the Juniors start brightly but some well marshalled defence saw off the attack and the breakaway was on for David Sharp to claim the fourth. After a collision in the D between the Juniors keeper and a defender, the defender was forced to retire with a shoulder injury. Then following a brave tackle one of the youngsters was cut and he too had to depart the fray. Being down to 10 men and with the weather taking a positive turn for the worse it was agreed mid way through the second half that the game would halt and the score stand as was.

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