Match reports for 7/3/09

Falkirk GHG 4
Granite City Wanderers 2

Falkirk secured their first victory over Granite City since May 2004, although it was made a lot more difficult that it should have been for a variety of reasons. After a mixed performance last week, the home side were into their stride from the first whistle, and got an early breakthrough after Douglas Nicol's trademark run to the bye-line and cutback found it's way to Craig Strachan, who scored with a reverse stick flick from 10 yards. Falkirk extended their lead shortly after, as Richard Grey's sideline hit was deflected across goal to Strachan, who showed great skill and composure to round the goalkeeper and flick into the unguarded net. Michael Watson almost gave Falkirk a 3rd before half time, but his volleyed rebound didn't have enough pace and was able to be stopped on the line. Granite City exerted some pressure of their own and were gifted an opportunity to get back into the match with the soft award of a penalty flick, but with Thomson guessing correctly, the shot was blazed high and wide of the goal. Falkirk saw out the first half and started the second with 10 men after a sinbin at the penalty decision, but that didn't stop them extending their lead as Douglas Nicol's quick free hit at the edge of the box was deflected high into the net by Iain Fraser. Nicol himself then got on the scoresheet, slamming home a flick from 7 yards after Craig Strachan had been denied twice by the Wanderers keeper. Two further temporary suspensions prevented Falkirk capitalising with more goals, but on each occasion the 10 men stood firm and denied Granite City. With 5 minutes remaining Wanderers eventually made the breakthrough with a drag flick from a penalty corner, and grabbed a further consolation with 2 minutes remaining, which took the shine off a good performance for the home side.

[Home Page] [Results Page]