Match reports for 13/1/07

Grange Development 6
Falkirk GHG II 2

Falkirk started 2007 with what looked like a tough task away to the league leaders Grange Development. For most of the first half however it looked like the Falkirk side were nearer the top of the table playing their best competitive hockey of the season to get to half time at 1 each, thanks to a fine finish from James Robertson following David Jewell chasing down an apparent lost cause. The second half was to be a different affair though with Falkirk struggling to rediscover their first half form. Despite a Chris Dyer strike which found the back of the net Falkirk were unable to halt the home team from running out 6 - 2 winners.

Falkirk GHG III 2
Rievers 1

After an enjoyable winter break the 3rd XI started 2007 with a hard home encounter against Reivers, a side who always give Falkirk a tough game. With a few players struggling with the flu, the 3rd XI named almost their strongest side as they looked to begin the year with a victory. The conditions were horrendous and wining the coin-toss, captain Scott McNeill choose to play with the gale-force winds in the first half and try to get a lead to defend. The Falkirk side got off to a flying start when young Alan McDonald saw his effort well saved by the visitors keeper. With the prevailing wind pushing Falkirk forward efforts rained in on goal and only some good keeping saw Gibney and Cameron thwarted. Jonny Anderson was his usual lively self, causing all kinds of problems as he ran at the Reivers defence. Falkirk took the lead midway through the half when Robert Speckman skilfully flicked a short-corner into the net. Reivers response was to lift the tempo and Chris Taylor in the Falkirk goal had to look sharp with a few kicks to prevent the visitors equalising. Falkirk looked for a second and on the stroke of half time Danny Gibney, returning from injury, scored from close range to give Falkirk a two goal lead going into the second half. With the wind becoming stronger, Falkirk faced an uphill battle. At times it seemed liked the home side were defending the bottom of a steep slope as the wind prevented the ball leaving the Falkirk half. Joe Trodden and Liam Robertson were both outstanding in their defensive duties, always tracking back from midfield and marking well. Reivers pulled a goal back to make for an interesting finish but two magnificent goal line clearances from Dougie Smith, made even more impressive by the swirling wind, ensured Falkirk took all 3 points. An outstanding win for the 3rd XI who defended very well as a unit in the second half.

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