Match reports for 21/2/09

Dumfries 0
Falkirk GHG 6

With a week to go before the resumption of outdoor league business in Division 2, and many of the other leagues already underway, Falkirk made the unusual journey to Dumfries in search of an available side for a friendly. The difference in the standards of the teams was evident from the start, and although Falkirk dominated both halves, Dumfries gave a good account of themselves by remaining competitive throughout the game. The visitors opened the scoring through an unlikely source, as Richard Grey snuck up from right back to collect Chris Anderson's pass, and drove into the box before smashing his shot past the keeper. Falkirk's second came after Douglas Nicol's cutback was flicked high into the net by Michael Watson, and they combined again for Falkirk's third, Watson scoring once again from Nicol's lay-off. Watson should have had a first half hat-trick, but shot wide from a penalty corner with the goal gaping, and a series of poor basics and further missed chances prevented Falkirk taking more of a lead into half time, although James Moran came close with a flick which hit the post, as did Watson's rebound effort. The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, as Falkirk dominated but failed to turn their superiority into goals. Douglas Nicol finally got the scoreboard moving as he converted a corner from close range, whilst some good stops from the home keeper denied Falkirk on a number of occasions. Falkirk's next goal came after an unusual defensive lapse from Dumfries presented the ball straight to Gordon Anderson, and his quick past was hit first time by Watson from the top of the D. In the final 10 minutes Dumfries had a number of chances to get on the scoresheet, but Robert Thomson secured his clean sheet with good blocks from no fewer than five one on one breaks. The final goal arrived in the closing minutes as Moran's cross was missed by everyone until it got to the back post, where Watson's volleyed home for his fourth of the day.

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