Match reports for 13/9/08

Falkirk GHG 3
Watsonians 5

On their return to division 2, Falkirk were forced to play their opening "home" game at Bathgate due to a problem with the Linlithgow pitch, but the change in venue didn't prove to be too much of a problem with a strong team performance. Falkirk got off to a flying start with Craig Strachan rounding the keeper only to see his shot cleared off the line, but minutes later Strachan was clattered from behind when going round the keeper once again, and Stafford Dickson converted the penalty to give Falkirk the lead. Watsonians pegged their hosts back immediately when a penalty corner rebound was deflected in off a defenders stick, but Falkirk regained the lead when Gordon Anderson shot home after good work by Strachan. Once again Watsonians drew level almost immediately when a lucky break in midfield opened up the home defence, and the ball was slid home as Thomson raced out. With a minute to go in the first half, Watsonians took the lead for the first time when a mix up at the back allowed the visitors to score with a shot from the top of the box. Watsonians increased their lead at the start of the second half when Falkirk missed 4 challenges on the left touchline over the space of 60 yards, and the resulting cross was converted at the second attempt giving Thomson no chance. Falkirk pulled a goal back when Strachan showed good skills in the box to create space for a reverse stick flick into the roof of the net, but despite good possession in the Watsonians half and a number of half chances, Falkirk were unable to find the goal their persistence perhaps deserved. With 30 seconds remaining and pushing for the equaliser, the home side were caught out by a quick free hit, and despite the best efforts of Dickson on the line, the visitors completed the scoring with a reverse stick shot to give the scoreline a more comfortable impression.

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