Match reports for 22/10/05

Hillhead 17
Falkirk GHG 1

With 9 players missing from the normal squad, Ross Anderson and David Japman, with his final appearance in Scotland, were called up from the 4ths to lend a hand in this cup match against the second division's top side. As recently as 6 years ago, Hillhead were languishing in the regional leagues, but the appointment of a Hockey Development Officer for Glasgow has seen local youngsters take advantage of the coaching opportunities afforded to them, and their meteoric rise seems destined to continue to the elite league of Scottish hockey. Without expecting too much from the game, Falkirk were determined to put on a good showing, but after 4 minutes and 3 defensive mistakes, Hillhead had already notched up a 3 goal lead. Falkirk rallied slightly, and started to put together some passing moves of their own, but Hillhead were ruthless in their pursuit of goals, and the quickness and quality of their play showed up the deficiencies of the visitors. Falkirk had very few chances to make an impression, but Ross Anderson was unlucky on a couple of occasions when the ball failed to run for him in the box. By half-time, Hillhead had managed to find the net 8 times, and it could have been more had it not been for the brilliance of Robert Thomson in the Falkirk goal, who received credit from both teams for a number of saves. Hillhead carried on with the goal-fest after the interval, but were stunned when Falkirk finally managed to pull a goal back. Some strong play down the right allowed Craig Gove to find Chris Anderson in the box, and he stepped past his marker to fire a strike in off the far post. With Falkirk tiring, and Hillhead subbing constantly, the goals continued to come, until the final whistle mercifully stopped the onslaught at an embarrassing 17.

Falkirk GHG III 3
Rievers 2

The 3rd XI started their first home match of the season against Reivers with the creativity that they had showed last week. In the opening minutes of the match Danny Gibney, who was set to shine later in the game and Liam Robertson both came close to opening the scoring. Dougie Smith and Davie Craig both looked composed in defence, helping the team forward with every opportunity. The first goal came from the impressive Gibney. A Stephen Macdonald long corner was met with a sublime touch from John Russell, leaving Gibney to beat the keeper from close range. The tempo of the game fell away, despite Chris Dyer and David Gallgher in the middle both working hard and Reivers scored an inevitable equaliser, when Falkirk were caught on the break. The second half started every poorly with Reivers scoring again to lead 2-1 and then Falkirk were reduced to 10 players when, yet again, another player was ordered off for dissent. However Falkirk weathered the storm of Reivers pressure, with Dyer and Smith in particular closing down every Reivers opportunity. When Falkirk returned to their full complement of players, they scored a carbon copy of the first goal, when yet another Stephen Macdonald long corner found John Russell who once again produced a fine touch to send the ball for Gibney to score his second. With only 3 minutes left Ross Drummond scored a fine winner he ghosted in at the far post to send an unstoppable shot past the keeper. Iain Forbes, who had worked hard, had a chance to make certain of the points but was unlucky not to meet Gibney’s through ball. An excellent win for Falkirk, who worked incredibly hard the whole match.

Falkirk GHG V 0
Erskine Stewarts Melville FP III 7

As the score suggest Falkirk were well and truly beaten by a team that did not reflect the team that played for Stewart Melville’s last year, but as the game went the visitors were 1-0 up within the first minute and try as they might Falkirk were unable to find the net. The visitors went in 5-0 at half-time but did not get their own way in the second half where they were only able to add another two as Falkirk kept playing hockey until the end. This was not a good game to try and teach young players the true ethics of the game but there will be more where we will have good games of hockey that both teams can enjoy.

[Home Page] [Results Page]