Match reports for 30/9/06

Falkirk GHG 3
Giffnock 4

There was never any chance of this match finishing goalless, given that there were 19 goals in the 2 meetings between the teams last season, but Falkirk unfortunately found themselves on the wrong end of yet another high scoring match. Giffnock started brightly and maintained possession, without really threatening Robert Thomson in the home goal. The opening 15 minutes were cagey, but 4 goals in the space of the next 15 minutes brought the game to life. The home side opened the scoring when Douglas Nicol evaded a tackle and broke into the box, before firing a shot into the bottom corner. Nicol was involved in the second minutes later, as his through ball was converted by Iain Fraser, and Falkirk threatened to put the match beyond Giffnock as further chances fell to Johnny Anderson and Fraser, but neither was able to find the target. These misses proved to be costly, as Giffnock pulled a goal back from a penalty corner, before a defensive mistake allowed them in to equalise barely 3 minutes later. Within a minute of the second half starting, Falkirk went behind, as a hotly debated free-hit was expertly deflected past Thomson. Giffnock kept up the pressure on the home goal, and increased their lead from a second controversial free-hit. Arthur Robertson appeared to have been impeded in the act of clearing his lines, but the foul was awarded the opposite way, and some quick thinking from Giffnock saw them tap in a fourth. Falkirk pulled a goal back from a scrappy corner routine with Gordon Anderson netting from a yard, but despite their best efforts, the home side were unable to find an equaliser.

Falkirk GHG II 1
Carnegie IV 1

Falkirk started their 2nd league game of the season against Carnegie slowly, going a goal down inside the first 15 minutes. However from then on the home side turned in what was their best performance of the season. A fine display of passing hockey from back to front, regularly ended in chances, and a string of penalty corners for the Falkirk team. On a different day Falkirk could have racked up 6 or 7 goals, but only managed 1, a fine finish from Gregor Maxwell after being well fed in the D by Derek Morrison. Despite the fine play it wasn't all one way traffic with Paul Paton pulling off a fine stop on the line to stop Carnegie regaining the lead. Falkirk picked up their first point of the league campaign, but will view the result more as 2 points lost, than one gained.

Carnegie VI 0
Falkirk GHG III 2

The 3rd XI travelled to Carnegie for this league clash, looking to pick up their first points of the season. After last weeks disappointment a change of system, with emphasis placed on playing the ball wide, was adopted. Falkirk got off to a flying start in the match when early on an Iain Cameron short corner was well saved. The Falkirk midfield looked in complete control with Neil McFadyen and Liam Robertson spreading passes all around the pitch. Alan McDonald, making his 3rd XI debut looked a constant menace upfront with his incredible running ability causing all sorts of problems for the defence and he came close to scoring at the near post. It was McDonald who created the opening goal for Falkirk when a long hit seemed to be running out for a 16, McDonald chased it down and won a short corner. From the corner Iain Cameron struck home for his first goal of the campaign. Falkirk continued to dominate the 2nd half with Robert Speckman in complete control as sweeper, winning every tackle and making so much space for the midfield. Falkirk tried hard to find a second goal that would put the game beyond doubt: Liam Robertson skilfully ran past the defence and rounded the keeper only to see his effort hit the post. John Russell failed to make contact with the ball as he shot for goal. Iain Cameron came close but couldn’t prod the ball home. The Carnegie keeper made two outstanding saves, firstly from Dave Sharp who’s well struck shot from a tight angle was pushed wide and then from Alan McDonald who struck from 1 yard out but was disappointed as the keeper managed to palm it away. However, the second goal did come after good work from Cameron and Liam Robertson was on hand to slot home and put the result beyond doubt. An impressive win for the Falkirk outfit and worth noting the Falkirk keeper didn’t have a save to make in the game.

[Home Page] [Results Page]