Match reports for 10/3/07

Giffnock 3
Falkirk GHG 3

Falkirk missed out on the opportunity to climb up the table when they were held to a draw for the 3rd time in 4 weeks at Giffnock. Falkirk made a promising start and opened the scoring after 5 minutes when Craig Gove's ball into the box was deftly deflected home by Ross Drummond for his first goal of the season. Unfortunately for the visitors, this lead didn't last long as Giffnock hit back with 2 goals in quick succession, but a penalty corner strike from Michael Watson found the bottom corner and drew Falkirk level. Giffnock had the chance to take the lead again with the award of a hotly disputed penalty, but Robert Thomson produced a fine save to keep Falkirk on equal terms. Just before half time, Falkirk got their noses in front again, this time it was Sandy Rennie getting off the mark as he smashed home from 3 yards following a corner. Falkirk failed to make as bright a start to the second half, but although the home side had the majority of possession, the Falkirk goal was rarely threatened. Falkirk's best chance of the second half came when Chris Anderson was sent through on goal, but after being cynically fouled as he prepared to shoot, the umpire decided that an off-balance shot from an acute angle was more of an advantage than a penalty and suspension for the perpetrator of the foul. Falkirk's sense of injustice was heightened minutes later as they found themselves temporarily down to 9 men as a result of yellow cards, but with Giffnock also receiving 2 suspensions neither side was able to take advantage. Despite a solid defensive display for the duration of the 2nd half, Giffnock finally drew themselves level with less than 5 minutes remaining, when a quick break down the Falkirk left and a mishit shot fell perfectly to be slammed home at the back post, and deny Falkirk full points.

Falkirk GHG II 2
Watsonians III 2

Falkirk hosted Watsonians on Saturday in what is usually a competitive fixture. Despite a good start to the game, which saw Falkirk play some really excellent hockey, the home team found themselves a goal behind at the break. Following the restart Falkirk continued their excellent play and after a breath taking run down the wing by Scott Coventry, Gregor Maxwell was on hand (for the 18th time this season) to slot home to bring the teams level. Falkirk continued to play well, but lacked the killer final pass which could have cost them, as Watsonians regained their lead mid way through the 2nd half, and but for a fine penalty save by Craig Malcolm, would have put the game beyond Falkirk. Not to be denied a point though Falkirk kept plugging away and a slide rule pass from Joe Trodden found Liam Robertson unmarked at the back post to finish coolly, leaving the final score at 2 goals a piece.

Falkirk GHG III 9
Watsonians IV 0

The 3rd XI faced bottom-placed Watsonians, knowing a win was crucial as they continued their fight against relegation. After an excellent win last weekend, the 3rd were looking to win in successive weeks for the first time this season. The match itself was a completely one-sided affair with Falkirk in complete domination from start to finish. Such was the 3rd XI’s control of the game that number of the shots at goals were too numerous to be detailed in any match report. Falkirk opened the scoring through John Russell with a well placed finish. They quickly doubled their advantage when an Iain Cameron penalty corner shot was deflected into goal. Falkirk were in complete control by this point and soon made it 3-0 when John Russell was again on target, drilling home from the top of the D. Dougie Smith made it 4-0 at the interval with a well struck finish. The second half saw Watsonians battle back into the game a little with Scott Morrison in goals having to be alert. However, quickly Falkirk again gained control and were soon on the score sheet again. Stevie Sutton slammed home a penalty corner and then Iain Cameron scored his second and Falkirk’s 6th with a penalty flick. Dougie Smith also scored his second of the match. The scoring was not finished yet finished when Joe Trodden scored his first of the season with an excellent finish and then Iain Cameron completed his hatrick from 2 inches out, when it seemed certain Stephen Macdonald was going to score his first of the year. A well deserved win for Falkirk who were in such control that even Chris Dyer managed to get a shot on target!

Heriot-Watt University II 0
Falkirk GHG V 5
(conceded friendly played)

Unfortunately Falkirk travelled all the way to Saughton in Edinburgh through the rugby traffic to discover that the students home team did not have enough players, no umpire and the main problem no goalkeeper and also no spare helmet other wise the game could have been played, so they conceded the league game 5-0 as the rules state. However having travelled all the way and still wanting to keep out of the wives/partners ways both teams agreed to play a friendly. The students with some Falkirk players lined up with 10 players and no goalkeeper while Falkirk had a full squad of 11 including their goalkeeper and their dominance showed from the onset with their first goal through a reverse stick at goals from Chris Brodie followed shortly with a rare nicely taken gaol from the veteran Chris Taylor playing in the centre forward position actually standing up on two feet. The students fought back and eventually got a goal back through some well played hockey, but Falkirk showed that they are no slackers and before half time added another 4 three for Brodie and another one for Taylor. The second half Falkirk being as generous as always gifted the students their goalkeeper and while the students piled on the pressure the Falkirk defence showed that young legs and old heads held firm against constant pressure and while young David Connell in the students goals pulled of some breathtaking saves he finally conceded another 2 goals and it was Taylor and Brodie again who took the plaudits. This would have been a nice result to have in the league but it was not to be.

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