Match reports for 18/2/06

Falkirk GHG 2
Waverley IT 3

The winter break didn't bring a change of luck to Falkirk, as in their first game back, a last gasp goal denied them a point at the same time as other results sent them to the bottom of the league. Chances were few and far between in the first half, Michael Watson forcing a save from the Waverley keeper, whilst the Falkirk defence limited Waverley's opportunities. Waverley took the lead just before half time when a mistake in the home defence conceded possession, and the resultant cross was converted at the back post. Despite being behind, the home side were playing well, and equalised after half time from a penalty corner. Watson and Chris Anderson combined to open up the Waverley defence, and Iain Fraser was on hand to convert the rebound from Watson's shot. Waverley retook the lead against the run of play, quickly breaking after a Falkirk attack, but the home side continued to press, with Iain Fraser's shot from a tight angle narrowly missing the far post, and Stafford Dickson's shot from a corner switch being cleared off the line. With time running out, Waverley were harshly penalised for a twice taken free-hit, and their protests saw the awarded up graded to a penalty corner with a minute to go. Falkirk took advantage, with Watson scoring from close range at the second attempt, and looked to have secured a point for Falkirk. However, with the last hit of the ball, a speculative "shot" that dangerously flew over the heads of the Falkirk defence somehow contrived to dip just under the bar, to the despair of the home side and delight of the visitors.

Falkirk GHG III 2
Grange V 4

The 3rd XI, who were unbeaten since Christmas, welcomed the league leaders Grange in this East District Division two clash. With Captain Scott McNeill forced to name an unfamiliar squad, due to 6 regular players missing this game it was always going to be tough for the Falkirk outfit. They started brightly with Jonny Anderson coming close early on. Just when it seemed like Falkirk were settling well, a short corner routine broke down and Grange were quick to catch Falkirk on the break and make it 1-0. The 3s had chances to equalise with Anderson and Cameron both coming close but Grange, aided by one stunning goal line clearance, held their lead until half time.The second half started quickly with Chris Dyer pushing forward from defence and Falkirk were justly rewarded when Davie Ferguson equalised with a precision flick from the top of the D. Soon after the home side took the lead when Anderson was on hand to slot home an Iain Cameron cross.However Grange fought back and soon equalised with a fortuitous goal when a shot, which was going well wide, bounced off a helpless Falkirk defender and into the top corner. Grange extended their advantage by scoring quickly and then made it 4-2 from a penalty corner. Falkirk managed to pull another goal back from the stick of Anderson, but couldn’t find an equaliser. On another day, with their regular squad, the 3rd XI may have managed to get a result but with this defeat the Falkirk sides hopes of winning the league have surely vanished.

Grange VII 2
Falkirk GHG V 2

The experience of playing on grass is somewhat of a rarity in this day and age, and for the older members of the team, it was like a trip back in time, which suited Stuart Brown who controlled a raised ball in the circle to slot in Falkirk’s first score. Always dangerous on the attack, Falkirk spurned so many scoring chances, while at the other end, the Falkirk’s back line showed resilience with Mathew Morley, Mark Slater and and Craig Harper looking good on a surface they are unaccustomed to. Falkirk’s second came from the stick of Stuart McNeill with a good hard hit into the net. The second half looked as if Falkirk had it made, but in the last minutes of the game, the Edinburgh hosts piled on much sustained late pressure, which saw Graeme High schoolboy David Connell in goal on his first outing on grass, playing out of his skin to prevent Grange do more than manage to level the game.

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