Match reports for 8/12/07

Waverley Inveresk Trinity III 1
Falkirk GHG III 1

In appalling weather conditions, the 3rd XI travelled to the new pitch at Bangholm to play Waverley Inveresk, a side they had equalised against in the last minute earlier in the season. With Dougie Smith, Stephen Macdonald and John Russell all missing from the line-up it was always going to be difficult against a well organised Waverley side.

In the lashing rain and howling wind it was Falkirk who seemed to start the better side but could not find an opening as the defences of both sides held strong. Waverley produced the first proper shot at goal when a long ball deceived the defence, but Jamie O’Neill in goals was alert with a good save. It wasn’t long until Falkirk got going, when a scrim ash in the Waverley D saw the ball fall to Danny Gibney, but the Falkirk striker was unable to get the contact he desired as his shot squirmed wide. Alan McDonald then threatened when he cut inside from the right wing and hit the target only for the keeper to save well. However it was Waverley who were to open the scoring, when a seemingly harmless long ball took two wicked deflections, before landing on the stick of the Waverley striker, who slide a back-stick shot below O’Neill. However, Falkirk raised their game with good passing producing a decent chance, but Jonny Anderson narrowly shot wide. Craig Gove then produced an excellent long ball which Anderson met with a powerful goalbound flick, only to despair as the Waverley defender produced a magnificent stop from just under the crossbar. On the stroke of half time Gibney was again to come close but Falkirk still couldn’t find the breakthrough.

The second half saw Waverley start quicker and only some good defending from Robert Spekman and Chris Dyer, along with a few excellent stops from Jamie O’Neill prevented Waverley increasing their lead. However the battling Falkirk side again lifted their game with Ross Dickson in particular fighting for every ball and making some telling passes in the middle of the park. Falkirk were awarded a penalty flick when a well worked long corner routine between Scott McNeill and Craig Gove allowed Alan McDonald a back-stick flick which was kicked of the goalline. Danny Gibney stepped up and slotted home the resulting penalty flick to make it 1-1. Falkirk were in pursuit of a winning goal and another long corner saw Jonny Anderson bring out a mganificant save from the Waverley keeper. Stuart McNeill then made a lung bursting pitch-length run only for his cut-back to land in between the two waiting strikers. However Waverley were to threaten again and Jamie O’neill had to stand strong to prevent any further scoring.

On reflection a draw was probably a fair result, with the horrendous weather making passing hockey almost impossible. Special mention must go to youngsters Ross Dickson and Alan McDonald who both worked tirelessly for the side the whole afternoon, in particular with their defending helping out the unfamiliar defence.

[Home Page] [Results Page]