Match reports for 18/4/09

Harris 1
Falkirk GHG 0

Falkirk once again missed out on the opportunity to confirm their 2nd division status with arguably their worst performance of the season, and now face the very real possibility of a post-season play-off against Dunfermline. A bright start saw the visitors make some useful breaks into the Harris half, with Iain Fraser forcing a save from the home keeper after good build up play from Craig Strachan, and then seeing his rebound deflected wide. Although Harris dominated possession, they rarely threatened Robert Thomson in the Falkirk goal, whilst Falkirk continued to look for a quick break, but were too often let down by a poor pass. The second half followed a similar theme, but once again, Harris failed to threaten the visitors goal despite plenty of good build up play. It looked like a single goal would win the game, and when it finally arrived it was largely due to luck. A cross from the right wing was deflected into the air and dropped into the middle of the box, and with the umpire deciding that it wasn't dangerous, was controlled and lashed home to give Harris the lead. Falkirk only attacking contribution was a strong run and shot from Douglas Nicol, that was comfortably saved by the Harris keeper, but in all honestly, Falkirk could be playing now and still not have managed to score. With a single game to go away at Greenock, Falkirk need to match Granite City's result at home to bottom of the league Giffnock to ensure 2nd division hockey next season.

Falkirk GHG V 2
Livingston II 0

The 5th XI welcomed Livingston 2nd XI to Bathgate Academy in their final re-arranged league game of the 2008/09 campaign. After a long and tiring campaign, Falkirk knew they would face a tough test against a Livingston side they had narrowly beaten 2-1 two weeks prior. The task was made more difficult with the absense of 5th XI regulars John McPherson, Alan Jenkins, Martin Waddell and player of the year Bobby Morton, although the side was boosted by the return of Per Dullforce, Willie Simpson and Craig Callahan, all of whom had missed the previous match.

During the pre-match team talk, the message of enjoying the match and trying to play attractive hockey throughout the pitch was emphaised and the team responded well to this. From the first whistle Falkirk started moving the ball about the pitch, playing patient and attractive passing hockey and were almost rewarded for their patient build up when a lovely passing move saw Chris Brodie find space in the D, however his effort was well saved by the Livingston goalkeeper. Falkirk continued to probe and looked the team most likely to score, with the central midfield pairing of Per Dullforce and Jonathan Nuggent working well together and always ensuring the were available for an easy pass. The home side were eventually rewarded for their superior possesion when they made the breakthrough midway through the half: A passing move was started by Willie Simpson in defence who moved the ball to Mathew Morley at left-back. Morley played a sublime first time pass to Neil McFadyen who had found space on the left wing. McFadyen controlled well before playing a quick pass to Callahan. Callahan found space on the byline before cutting the ball back to the penalty. Although the Livingston goalkeeper looked favourite to win the ball, Per Dullforce made a lung-busting run from midfield to meet the cut-back and finish with aplomb, placing the ball under the dispairing goalkeeper. On the stroke of half-time Falkirk thought they had doubled their advantage when a Jamie O'Neill run and cross was pushed into the goal by Ally Kerr from an almost impossible angle, however his effort was correctly disallowed for being outside the D.

After the half-time interval Livingston looked fired up and came out all guns blazing, however time and again the Falkirk defence of McNeill, Simpson, Morley and O'Neill thwarted Livingston's attacks. Simpson in particular was timing has tackles to perfection and Livingston were finding it almost impossible to create chances. On the few occasions the defence were beaten, Falkirk's lead was kept intact by the ever reliable Craig Malcolm, who was required to show his quick reactions and make excellent saves on three occasions. The home side seemed to take heart from this sterling defending and lifted the tempo of the match. Jamie O'Neill, normally the 2nd XI goalkeeper, was showing he could also be a top outfield player as he made countless over-lapping runs from right-back. In particular he was combining well with his friend David Connell, who was playing on the right-wing and the two seemed to develop a strong understanding as the match progressed. It was from one of O'Neill's excellent attacking runs that Falkirk were to win a penalty corner. At their previous penalty corner, Simpson had come close to scoring with a well hit shot at goal, however on this occasion he played a lovely lay-off to Jonathan Nuggent at the top of the D. Nuggent took a touch before incisively placing the ball under the Livingston goalkeeper and into the bottom corner to give Falkirk a 2-0 lead. As the game wore, Falkirk became tired and were relieved to see Craig Malcolm in goal make some good stops to prevent Livingston pulling a goal back. The home side were able to hold on for a well deserved win. It was particularly pleasing to see the attempt Falkirk made to play passing hockey. The game was played in excellent spirit and this was even more important. With the season now complete, thanks are extended to everyone for playing and umpiring for the 5th XI during a successful and enjoyable the campaign. The team also wishes to extend their gratitude to Captain John Galloway for his dedication and skill in ensuring a team is on the pitch every week - truly an impressive job which no one else would be able to do.

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