Match reports for 18/8/07

Falkirk GHG III 6
Helensburgh II 0

The third XI began their pre-season warm up with the now traditional game against Helensburgh, with the West coast side making the trip through to Bathgate on this occasion. Scott McNeill, who was coerced into continuing as Captain for another season, had the pleasure of having nearly his full squad from last season available for the first game of the year. Jamie O’Neill, playing his first season for the club, made his debut in goals for the 3rd XI. In the opening spells of the game the fluidity and familiarity of the team was obvious, with the passing hockey and the speed of the play opening up the Helensburgh defence. Little and Large pairing of Danny Gibney and Alan McDonald upfront were combining very well and always looked dangerous. It was no surprise when Falkirk opened the scoring when Alan McDonald used his pace to beat and defender and square the ball to Danny Gibney who slotted beyond the keeper. The second goal was to follow soon after with a role reversal, this time with Danny Gibney playing in his strike partner who’s subtle touch pushed it past the goalkeeper. Helensburgh regrouped and came at Falkirk, but found the back-line of Dougie Smith, Craig Harper and Scott Usher too strong to get past. On the few occasions when Helensburgh found a path to goal, Jamie O’Neill looked lively with a few excellent saves. The creative midfield were supplying plenty of ammunition for the forward players, with Robert Spekman and John Russell in particular looking lively and the pair combined to set-up Stuart McNeill, whos goalbound undercut was well saved by the goalkeeper. Ross Connell then came close to scoring at the post after a lovely flowing move which saw the ball move from one side of the pitch to the other and then back again. On the stroke of half time Danny Gibney scored his second of the match with a well taken strike.

From the restart Falkirk produced a training ground move, which saw John Russell coming close to opening the scoring. Helensburgh came into the game, running at the Falkirk side and Jamie O’Neill in goals had to make two excellent stops in the opening spells to prevent Helensburgh finding a way back into the game. It wasn’t long however until normal service was resumed, with Danny Gibney completing his hatrick with an excellent finish. Alan McDonald also came close to scoring on two occasions but was to find himself thwarted by the keeper. As the half wore on McDonald final got his second of the game, with a placed finished that bounced of the post and into the bottom corner and in the dying seconds of the match Stuart McNeill scored a blistering finish which he powered into the roof of the net from the top of the D. In all a very worthwhile pre-season game for the 3rd XI who showed the passing hockey they had worked on all season. With a few played to come back into the side the squad looks strong ahead of the start of the season.

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