Match reports for 20/8/05

Falkirk GHG 3
Uddingston 4

In the first proper friendly of the season, Falkirk faced a stiff test from an Uddingston side that had comfortably won the Division 3 last season. Uddingston made the better start and had Falkirk on the back foot as the local side tried to come to terms with a new formation and style of play. Falkirk went a goal down after Uddingston exploited space on the Falkirk left, and the cross was deflected in past Robert Thomson. Falkirk gradually played their way into the game and after Stafford Dickson went close with a shot from a penalty corner, the equaliser finally arrived from the stick of Craig Gove with a high flick into the net. Uddingston quickly retook the lead with a deflection from a penalty corner, but parity was restored for the second time when Arthur Robertson netted at the far post from a Douglas Nicol cross. With both sides trying to play a passing game, the match flowed from end to end, and although Uddingston took the lead for a third time after hesitation in the home defence, Douglas Nicol rattled in a penalty corner to bring the sides level again. Uddingston managed to net a fourth goal shortly afterwards, and despite penalty corner efforts from Michael Watson and Douglas Nicol coming close, Falkirk were unable to find vital touch in front of goal to tie the game. With James Moran and Calum Taylor making welcome returns into the middle of the park, there were a lot of positives to be taken from the game, but consistency and eliminating mistakes will need to be worked on prior to the start of the season.

Helensburgh 4
Falkirk GHG II 3

The Falkirk Second String continued their pre-season programme of friendlies with the long trip to Hermitage Academy, on the outskirts of Helensburgh. Once again, with several of their normal side absent, some new faces stepped up the Club to help out and played remarkebly well, with Danny Gibney from the 3rds snatching a hat trick. It was the hosts who opened the scoring seven minutes into the game despite the first of a spate of inspiring saves from keeper Duncan Service, making a most welcome comeback to Club hockey. Danny Gibney from the 3rds was always threatening up front, came close, as did Jonny Reid in his comeback game after having been sidelined by work commitments. Helensburgh again scored before Danny Gibney clawed one back, controlling a high kick out by the home keeper, just before the coast side made it three from a penalty corner award. David Humphreys from the fives came within an ace of scoring before Craig MacDonald fed Gibney whose shot went high over the bar. At the other end, a string of saves by Duncan Service did not finally stop Helensburgh going four up. Gibney was in a perfect position to receive a pass from Craig MacDonald on the left, and he cooly slotted the ball between the keeper’s legs for his second, completing his hat trick with a ball in from an acute angle which bounced into goal off the keeper. After this, Alastair Nayer from the fours fed Craig MacDonald with the cross, which nearly saw him reach the scoresheet as well.

Helensburgh II 2
Falkirk GHG III 2

The 3rd XI made their annual trip along the Bonnie Banks, to play their first friendly of the season away to Helensburgh II. With only two of the usual squad available to make the trip west, Captain Scott McNeill called upon players from further down the Club, all of whom played extremely well. The game got off to a bright start, with the Falkirk side passing the ball well. Early chances at goal fell to Chris Brodie, who came close on one occasion before hitting the post on another. The Falkirk midfield were controlling the match, with the mixture of youth and experience combining well by keeping the ball and looking to create chances. At the other end, Alan Jenkins and Christopher Thompson both showed their undoubted ability with composed performances, winning tackle after tackle.

The Falkirk side came close to opening the scoring on several occasions, with Brodie putting shots wide and Scott McNeill having a goal bound penalty corner attempt turned around the post by his own team mate. It was to be the Falkirk side who scored the first goal following some good play. Kenny Sharp won the ball with an excellent tackle on the right hand side of the pitch. He played a clever pass to Per Dullforce, who had looked sharp all afternoon. Dullforce went past two defenders before passing onto Craig Callahan. Callahan’s sublime pass fell to Chris Brodie who finished very well from a tight angle. The second half started with Falkirk looking creative, with Stuart McNeill and Ally Nayer both causing problems for the Helensburgh defence and it was no surprise Falkirk made it 2-0 with McNeill linking with Brodie. He cleverly beat his man before playing a ball across the face of goal, which was turned in by Ally Nayer. The game was set to swing in favour of Helensburgh, when David Humphreys was given a red card for a tussle with an opposition player. With both sides down to 10 players, the Falkirk team never recovered and the loss of shape in the middle of the park was to prove costly, with Helensburgh scoring two quick goals to equalise. Falkirk continued to work hard, with young Andrew Malcolm, who had played really well all afternoon battling hard and providing chances for his team mates, however despite his considerable efforts, the game which was played in well spirited manner, was to finish a draw.

[Home Page] [Results Page]