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Falcons fall as the Moor hit five
The Falcons got their 2010/11 campaign underway against South Moor Juniors. The sides had met in pre-season and had a close game so this was billed to be more of the same.
With an early kick off, the match got underway. Both sides trying to gain the advantage. The Falcons were stunned though on 12' with a tremendous strike from 24 yards. The ball falling just under the cross bar.
The Falcons kept their heads and were soon gaining ground. A superb move up field got Connor Brown into the opposition penalty area but good defending steered him away from goal. However, he started what would probably be the best worked goal of the game. Unselfishly, Connor played the ball back to Scott who provided the pass that caused mayhem in the 6 yard box, with the ball then falling to Liam who fired the ball beyond the keeper to get the Falcons back on terms. Liam has carried good form from the summer training sessions and he now looks set to try and improve his goal tally from last year.
South Moor were in no mood to go away with a point though and saw themselves back in front within a minute. The Falcons failed to clear the ball from their box and this led to a loose ball being rolled over the line. Their third goal came on the stroke of half time.
In the second half the Moor got off to the best start, gaining to more goals to put them on 5. However, the Falcons held firm for the remainder of the match and created a couple of decent chances but were unable to convert into goals.
New signings, Ryan Stone, Ben Nicholson, Josh Adamson, Lewis Hamilton and Josh Merritt all got played. Lewis and 'evergreen' Cam Hall are carrying hamstring injuries. Cam Hall rested out which is the hardest thing to do after another good performance against his favourite opposition - Tyneside Jets - in a friendly only days earlier.
Final score - Falcons 1 - 5 South Moor Juniors
Man of the match - Ben Nicholson
Ben showed how playing simple pass and move, give and go football can turn fortunes around. Coming off the bench, instantly made a difference. Instigated two moves that could have got two goals. Well done Ben. |
Safe hands 'Hall' not enough to stop United
The Falcons were away to fellow promotion side Washington United on the ground where last season injuries were rife in the side.
This game, was, another story of knocks and injuries but will be remembered as Cameron Halls finest hour. Cameron was in the groove from the off. He pulled off one of the saves (which will be 'up there', I'm sure, in his memories, for a long time) of the season thus far, after 15 mins. A driven, powerfull, United strike took to the torso whilst diving to his left. Truly outstanding. The Falcons took more pressure with Cameron looking invinsible. A string of top class saves kept the scores at nils a piece.
Washington were never put under any pressure. No interlinking play meant it was all hands to the pumps to keep United at bay.
Josh Adamson saw his game cut short after receiving a blow above his eye.
With the half way point within touching distance United eventually broke the deadlock. A superb strike.
The second half saw the Falcons struggle to get into the opposition half. Davy made promising, penetrating, runs forward, but, with the Falcons not supporting quick enough, saw his efforts broken down.
Washington managed to double their tally in the second half and saw clear chances thwarted from Cameron, who jumped well to push the ball over the bar and Scott who twice cleared from off the line.
Final score - Washington 2 v 0 Falcons
Man of the match awarded to Cameron Hall - well done Cameron. A joy to watch. Never in the wrong position at any point. After last weeks low of having to step out through injury. Your patience and maturity has payed off for you in the best possible way. Excellent.
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Falcons"lift off " against Consett Galaxy...........
The Falcons recorded their first three points of the season, in a match that seemed won by half time, but the team had to dig deep in the second half to ensure that all of their hard work got them the result they deserved.
The lads started quickly against a strong Consett side, and kept possession well, and it wasn't too long before they got their reward when David picked out Brad with a great centre from the right, and his clinical finish made it 1- 0.The Falcons kept pressing from midfield,with Jack,Andrew,Lewis and David keeping Consett pinned back into their own half for long periods, creating a string of chances, but no more goals, until deep into the first half when Connor,and then Lewis netted in quick succession to put the game out of reach for Consett at 3-0,..........or was it ??
The second half was not quite so straightforward for the Falcons, and within a few minutes of the restart Consett grabbed a goal, and sensed their chance of a comeback. The back line of Kieran,Jordan,Ryan and Jonny had been relatively untroubled for most of the first half, but were now coming under increasing pressure from Consett's attacks.
3-1 became 3-2,when a shot from distance through a crowded Ouston penalty area fell kindly for a Consett forward to tap in from close range,and the fightback seemed complete soon after when a another loose ball on the edge of our box was hammered home to level the scores at 3-3.
With injuries to Jack and Kieran during this action packed half, the whole squad were called into action to try and reassert our first half dominance,with Liam,Ryan and Josh all getting into the action.David produced another great run and cross which Brad got his head onto ,only to see his effort hit the left post and roll along the goal line before being hacked away by by the Consett defence, and just as it seemed that both teams might have to settle for a draw, David latched onto a through ball, skipped over a couple of challenges and steered the ball beyond the reach of the keeper, who had made several good saves throughout the match.
The lads held on to see out the victory, and showed great spirit to keep going despite Consett's brave fightback. Three points on the board, the Falcons are up and running !!
MoM - David Gourley, ran all match , kept their full back very busy, created chances and scored the all important fourth goal.
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Falcons out of luck against Soccerena !
The Falcons learnt another tough lesson about life in the 2nd division, where possession and pressure needs to be converted into goals, and the slightest lapses of concentration are punished !!!
After the worst possible start to this game....a goal by Durham within 30 seconds of the start, the Falcons gradually recovered their composure and enjoyed some good possession. The new look back four of Kieran,Ryan,Jordan and Josh recovered from the early shock, and snuffed most of the Durham attacks, and Jack and Andrew were their usual busy selves in the centre of midfield.Lewis, up against his former team was made captain for the day, and Ryan S made his first start on the right wing.David and Connor led the attack, hoping to use their pace to good effect, and it was Connor who came so close to grabbing an equaliser, when his effort from just inside the box crashed against the bar, and was cleared away to safety.Jack also saw a powerful shot from distance just drift to the left of the Durham goal, but despite their best efforts the Falcons could not produce a goal before the half-time whistle.
The second half started much like the first but it was the Falcons who got the early goal. The ball was worked to David on the right side of the Durham box, who cut in, and from a narrow angle put a powerful shot past the keeper.In an effort to maintain some pressure on the Durham defence Liam came on for Ryan down the right hand side, and Josh M came on to replace Connor who had chased down every ball.However from a Durham corner the Falcons found themselves behind again when they failed to clear the ball, and it was slammed into the net from the middle of the box. Forced now to chase the game the Falcons rallied again and both David and Jack had decent efforts but couldn't find the target, and even Andrew's trade mark free-kick couldn't beat the Durham keeper.Ben replaced Kieran at right-back, and Josh A was pushed into midfield to help try and rescue a point, but it was Durham who had the final say in this game when they scored the vital third goal deep into the second half. There was to be no coming back from that !
The effort and commitment was not in doubt, we just need to convert it into good chances and keep doing the basics well !
MoM -Jack Dickinson for a typically powerful,tough tackling, performance in the midfield. A great example to everyone-well done Jack ! |
Falcons fall prey to the Panthers !
The falcons put up a brave battling display against 1st division opposition in this 1st round county cup encounter, but again were out of luck and could not turn their possession and pressure into goals. The game started well for the falcons who spent the first 10 minutes camped in Boldon's half, and matched their opponents in every area of the pitch.It was however Boldon who struck first from one of their few attacks of the first half, following a corner from the left which fell to one of their players on the edge of the box who hit a screamer into the top corner giving Cameron no chance!
The falcons were not to be denied and continued to push the Panthers back into their own half, and were rewarded when Connor picked out his strike partner, David who raced into the box before putting a well placed shot beyond the Boldon keeper, to level things up at 1 - 1. The rest of the first half was pretty much one way traffic. Jack got through on the keeper but was foiled by a decent save. Kieran, who must have needed a 'sat nav' to find his way in to the opposition penalty area, crashed an acrobatic effort against the post from a well delivered corner,only to see it bounce away to safety and David jinked through the Boldon defence but saw his shot roll agonisingly wide of the right post. Half -time saw the teams level but Boldon will have counted themselves lucky not to have been behind.
The second half was a much more even affair and Boldon gradually got back into the match, although Connor had a great chance to put the falcons in front when he raced onto a through ball, but his shot was well saved by the keeper. It was Boldon who retook the lead when their striker took advantage of a loose ball in the box to head past Cameron, 2 - 1 to the Panthers.Shortly after a shot through a crowded penalty area made it 3-1, and when a shot from distance from the Boldon No.4, who was probably their best player,found the top corner of the net, any hopes that the falcons had of a cup run his season were ended. The lads kept going right up until the final whistle and the scoreline somewhat flattered the Panthers, but football can be a cruel game !!
M o M jointly awarded to David, whose pace was a constant threat , and Josh for a battling display in the middle. |
Hetton Halloween Horror !!
A game that started with so much promise, and was still in the balance at half-time,ended disappointingly for the Falcons, who found themselves on the wrong end of a seven - one scoreline, against a spirited Hetton side, who must have been up very early to make the 9:00am start !
The first half started very brightly for the Falcons who were quickly into their stride, and got their reward after no more than ten minutes when new signing Callum marked his debut with a clinical finish to put the home side ahead.The two sides seemed evenly matched with Falcons defence coping well with the physical presence of the Hetton forwards and the speed of their right winger, but when a speculative punt into the box was not dealt with, Hetton forced an equaliser. Back came the Falcons and a golden chance went begging when a shot across the goal struck the right post, and just evaded David who couldn't direct his shot on target.Just as both teams seemed to have accepted a half time stalemate, a long ball down the Hetton right bounced awkwardly between Jordan and their tricky right winger,which saw them both tumble to the ground.The referee( Craig "Clattenburg" ) deemed it to be a foul and awarded Hetton a spot kick which they put away, despite Cameron's best efforts! HT 2 - 1 to Hetton.
The second half saw a reshuffle of the Falcons formation and personnel, with Kieran still feeling the effects of a kick in the head !! replaced by Ben,new signing Ethan on as sweeper alongside Ryan, releasing Jack back into his midfield role, and Liam on the right to replace David. Connor pushed up alongside Callum as the Falcons found themselves chasing the game in search of valuable points. Unfortunately the second half was all about Hetton, and there were very few opportunities for the Falcons who soon found themselves 4 - 1 down. For the last ten minutes Falcons went to a 3-4-3 formation in an effort to snatch something from a game that had got away from them, and paid the price as Hetton helped themselves to three more goals.
Not a good day but plenty to work on before the next game in a couple of weeks time. |
Falcons "fired up" by Dragons
The Falcons faced another tough fixture, against a Jarrow side who were sitting sixth in the table.Darren "Benitez" reshuffled his formation again this week putting Jack into the centre of defence alongside Jordan, with Ryan Y and Ben as full backs. The middle three were Ethan,Ryan S and Josh, and up front David and Connor partnered "CC" and Jonny was handed the goalkeeping gloves.
Falcons started very brightly, and enjoyed a good spell of possession, but typical of our luck at the moment the Dragons, having hardly troubled us for over 15 minutes, managed to get their right winger free on the edge of the Falcons 18 yard box and he struck a screamer past Jonny. One shot -one goal............. 1 -0 to the Dragons.
The lads got straight back onto the attack and created a few half chances, before a great through ball released David, who was through one on one with the Dragons keeper but he stood up strong and pulled off a great save to deny us the equaliser.Soon after another great chance was created following good interplay between David and "CC" but the ball just wouldn't fall to a falcons foot for the finishing touch.An injury to Connor saw the return to action of Andrew who had missed the last match.
Just before half-time falcons misery was doubled when a rare Dragons attack resulted in a low shot from just inside the penalty box finding its way into the net. Half -time 2 - 0 to Jarrow, leaving the Falcons with a mountain to climb in the second half ! Substitution -Kieran on for Ben.
The second half started much like the first with the Falcons searching for an early break through, and their efforts were rewarded when "CC" was bundled over in the penalty area by an 'over enthusiastic' Dragons defender. Craig had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, and Andrew stepped forward to despatch the spot kick with "German like" efficiency giving the Dragons keeper no chance. 2 - 1 !
Liam was next into the action, and had barely been on the pitch more than a few minutes before he found himself in the right place at the right time, unmarked in the middle of the six yard box, to tuck home a great cross from the right to level things up at 2 - 2 ! The tide seemed to have turned, and the Falcons went in search of a third goal. It duly arrived when "CC" collected a pass just outside the penalty area,he controlled it instantly and played a perfect ball into David's path, who charged into the box before smashing an unstoppable shot into the Dragons net, 3 - 2 to the Falcons, what a great fightback.Did the Dragons have anything left ? to their credit they didn't give up and started to threaten our goal as the minutes ticked away, and having forced a couple of corners their possession was rewarded by another great strike from distance which levelled the scores once again. Both teams had given their all in this full blooded encounter, and neither could muster any more threatening attacks in the dying minutes of the game.
Final score 3 - 3, and a much better performance from everyone after the disappointment of the Hetton game.
MoM was given to "CC" who led the line well,and had a hand in all of the falcons goals.
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Riverside hit for six !!
The Falcons faced another tough test against their local rivals Riverside FC, hoping to build on last weeks gutsy display, which saw them take a point from high flying Jarrow Dragons.
The starting line up saw a back four of Jordan, Kieran,Ryan Y and Ethan, Andrew,Josh A, Jack and Ryan s across midfield, and CC and David partnered up front.Cameron was back between the sticks.
Driving rain wasn't going to help either team and the slippery surface was bound to cause a few mistakes, but no-one could have expected the mistake made by the ref after barely 20 seconds when a riverside forward "dived" gracefully into the box under the slightest of challenges from Jack, and was awarded a penalty.1 - 0 to the home team under the most unfortunate circumstances, but the Falcons are made of tougher stuff and set about finding an equaliser. It wasn't too long before another fine through ball by CC released David on the right side of their box and he beat the keeper with a well placed shot, 1 - 1. The Falcons enjoyed a good spell of pressure, but were undone by a hopeful long ball which caused confusion in the heart of the defence, and allowed the Riverside forward to pick up the loose ball and skip round a stranded Cameron to restore their lead 2 - 1. An injury to Ryan S mid way through the half saw an early appearance for Liam, who has a habit of scoring soon after he comes on, and this week was no exception, when he skipped away from a couple of challenges in the box before clipping his shot past the keeper to level things up again at 2 - 2, which was how it stayed until half -time, despite a couple of break away attacks by Riverside which went very close.
The second half started much like the first with a very "generous" free kick awarded to Riverside on the right hand side of our box, which saw a well placed strike find the top corner of the Falcons net, putting them back in the lead at 3 - 2. The Falcons were coming under increasing pressure, and rode their luck slightly for a while, and looked like they were going to fall further behind when a cross into the box fell at the feet of the Riverside forward, but Ryan produced a goal saving tackle to keep them out. Having weathered the storm ( literally !!! ) the Falcons seemed to find another gear and enjoyed some good possession, and a great move up the left involving Andrew ,Liam and CC,saw Liam burst into the box and score from the narrowest of angles to bring the scores back level at 3 - 3. Josh M came on to replace David on the right and got into the action immediately with some strong runs at a tiring Riverside defence. The Falcons were starting to get the upper hand in this tough encounter and when Josh A put a perfect through ball to CC, he outpaced his marker before placing a precise shot beyond the keeper to put the falcons ahead for the first time in the game,
4 - 3! Back came Riverside, who for the first time found themselves chasing the game, and they started to leave gaps in the middle of the pitch which our midfield took full advantage of, and another well worked move saw CC help himself to another goal to ease the pressure, 5 - 3 to the Falcons. CC was also involved an a very bizarre passage of play when he latched onto another great through ball on the edge of their box, was fouled by the Riverside keeper but managed to stay on his feet, avoided a strong challenge from one of their defenders before stabbing his shot agonisingly wide. No penalty because the advantage was played ( apparently !! ), and no punishment for the keeper either. Fortunately it didn't make too much difference and CC was not to be denied, when Josh M was tripped in the box, he stepped up to coolly convert the spot kick and claim his hat-trick. 6 - 3 to the Falcons.Ben replaced Josh A late in the game, and dropped into midfield to help protect the lead, but there was no way back for Riverside, who had played their part in a eventful match, but hopefully the lads will now start to believe in themselves, and realise that playing controlled, simple football brings its rewards.
Lots of good individual performances all over the pitch, but overall a great squad performance by every player, who showed great attitude, character, determination and commitment. If we play like this every week our opponents will know they have been in a game !!
MoM awarded to the whole team, well done lads keep it up... |
Gloomy day for Falcons !!
It was a bit like 'Groundhog day'for the Falcons as they suffered another heavy defeat to Crook Town, with a very similar score-line to last seasons home fixture. Despite the afternoon kick-off the Falcons did not start well, and found themselves 3-0 down in a very short space of time, and facing a mountain to climb to get anything at all from the game !
The lads did manage to impose themselves for brief periods and 'CC' continued his good scoring form when he jinked into the Crook penalty area and coolly slotted past the keeper to give us a glimmer of hope, but Crook quickly responded to make it 4 : 1. The Falcons came back strongly towards the end of the half and Andrew got on the end of a through ball and placed his shot beyond the keeper to make the half-time score 4 : 2.
The half time team talk was all about the importance of getting the next goal, which would put some real pressure on Crook,and for the first ten minutes of the second half the Falcons enjoyed some good possession, and pressure but could not produce any clear cut chances.
Crook weathered the storm and restored their three goal advantage, which quickly became four as their powerful forwards took advantage of a tiring Falcons team, who were struggling to cope with the heavy condition of the pitch.
Two more late strikes for Crook gave the scoreline a slightly flattering appearance as they finally ran out 8 - 2 winners.Not a good day, but another harsh reminder that going up into the 2nd division will bring us up against more fast powerful teams like Crook, and we must work hard to compete at this level.
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Back to winning ways for Falcons !
Due to arctic conditions in Consett.....this "away" match was switched to our home pitch to ensure no more fixture pile up later in the season.
The key message from this weeks pre-match team talk was to keep a clean sheet, and start quickly !!
The opening exchanges were very even, and Consett looked anything but a team struggling at the bottom of the league. The back four of Kieran, Jordan, Ryan and Micky had a few awkward moments as the Consett forwards contested every ball, but the midfield quartet of Connor,Jack,Andrew and Josh started to impose themselves on the game and linked well with the front two of 'CC' and Brad. Chances were rare, until Connor latched onto a great through ball and advanced on the keeper, but couldn't steer his shot into the net.
Soon after 'CC' weaved his way into the Consett penalty area and was taken out by the big centre half. The ref had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and up stepped Andrew to hopefully put us into the lead. When you are low on luck even penalties don't always go in, and when this one smacked against the bar it would have been easy to start thinking that this was going to be another one of those days....!!
Consett always carried a threat and had a couple of chances, especially when they flashed a cross from the right across our box, but fortunately Kieran was able to get it away from danger, and on another occasion when Cameron F was called into action to save at the feet of their striker.
Neither side could make a break through during the remainder of the half, and we reached half-time with the score still goalless.
Early in the second half saw the introduction of Davy on the left hand side,as the Falcons went in search of the first goal, however the Consett keeper dealt with everything that we could throw at him..........until some good work down the right saw a great cross to pick out Brad in the box and he calmly placed his shot past the keeper to give us a deserved lead.
Ethan and Ryan S joined the action, with Ethan going up front to battle with the two big central defenders, and he grabbed the all important second goal when he reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and steered his shot low into the corner. 2 : 0 to the Falcons !
Liam came on to replace Jordan who was starting to struggle with his recent injury, and Brad dropped into defence to help defend the lead. However Consett got a goal back almost immediately when a free kick into the box wasn't dealt with, and one of their smallest players got his head to it to put it into the net. 2 : 1 and anyone's game.
The defence needed to be strong as Consett sensed an opportunity to grab a point from the game, and when their No.7 rounded Cameron and poked the ball towards our goal it needed a great sliding clearance from Ryan Y to preserve our lead. Ben came on at right back to replace Kieran to give us some fresh legs, and helped to see out the game with no more scares.
Final score 2 : 1 to the Falcons.A battling display from all the lads against a strong, battling Consett side.Darren would have been proud !!
M o M Ryan Yeadon for a solid defensive display, and good distribution from the back.
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Falcons toppled by table toppers !!
The Falcons entertained top of the table Gateshead Redheugh,in what was always going to be a tough encounter against a strong and well organised side.
The Falcons lined up with a packed midfield in an effort to contain Redheugh, and Jack dropped into the centre of the back four alongside Jordan, Ryan Y and Kieron. Connor was to be the lone striker, hoping to link up with the midfield five of Ethan,'CC', David, Josh and Andrew.
What we had'nt expected was to find Rory Delap playing for the opposition ................!
Within minutes of the game starting a fairly standard throw in from our left was hurled right into the middle of the six yard box, and bobbled up to one of their strikers who made no mistake from a few yards out. Not a good start and minutes later a Redheugh free kick from a similar spot was headed beyond Cameron's despairing dive into the corner of the net to double their lead.
The lads kept their heads and competed well against some physically strong opponents and seemed to have recovered from the early set backs when another "Delap" missile of a throw-in caused some indecision in our six yard box and resulted in a third goal for the visitors.
Half -time 0 - 3 and a long way back for the Falcons if they were to salvage anything from the game.
The second half was a much better display, the lads showing a great deal of pride and commitment, and for long periods enjoyed some good possession.The midfield started to win lots of challenges and second balls, and the defence were in no mood to concede any more goals. Connor ran himself out up front, and was replaced by Kieron, and "CC" gave way to Liam,who created the Falcons best chance of the half when he flashed the ball across their six yard box but just couldn't find a falcons player to apply the finish that it deserved. As the second half progressed Redheugh were looking very ordinary, and even their long throw tactic was not bringing them any rewards due to the battling attitude being shown by the Falcons.They had done enough in the first period to see out the match,and held on to their three goal advantage, but if we can start every game in the same way that we finished this one, then we will give all our future opponents something to think about !!
Final score 3 - 0 to Gateshead Redheugh but no disgrace against one of the best teams in the league.
M o M awarded to the whole squad for a second half display that showed great character and team spirit.
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Falcons rocked by Ryhope !!
The Falcons entertained one of the in form teams in the league, Ryhope CW, who were on a very impressive run which had seen them rise to fourth in the table, so there was a tough match in prospect....and team selection was affected by lack of the ski-ing jet set who were still en-route home after a week on the 'piste'. Another new formation was put together which saw Connor playing in the unfamiliar role of right back, Kieran T up front with CC, and Kieran slotting in to centre half, looking a lot taller than usual.....................alongside Jordan.
The Falcons competed well against a physically strong team and the game seemed equally balanced until about fifteen minutes in when a snap shot from the edge of the box flew past Cameron giving him no chance, 1 - 0 to Ryhope.Very soon after a corner from the left brought Ryhope a second goal and seemed to have put them in control of the game, but the falcons kept their shape and came back strongly towards the end of the first half, and were rewarded when Kieran T sprinted onto a through ball and placed his shot past the keeper to make it 2 - 1. Ryhope seemed rattled and were conceding possession to the falcons in all areas of the pitch, but we just couldn't find another goal, and it was Ryhope who restored their two goal advantage when they scrambled in a fortunate third goal just seconds before the break to make it 3 - 1 at half time.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, unfortunately with Ryhope grabbing further goals, although there was more than a hint of a foul leading up to their fourth goal.
The lads kept going right up to the final whistle and did get a consolation goal towards the end of the game after Ryan pushed forward down the left and played a ball into the edge of the Ryhope box, which found its way to the feet of Kieran T who again showed power and accuracy to send his shot beyond the keeper ,to make the final score Falcons 2 Ryhope 6.
Another hard game against a good team.Everyone gave it their best efforts,and we need to keep our heads up as the standard in this league is extremely good and there are few weak sides.
M oM was awarded to Connor who was asked to play as a full back this week, and stuck to his task well all through the game. |
Jarrow march on !!
The Falcons faced another of the form teams this week, Jarrow Dragons, who have been on an impressive run since our 3-3 draw with them, before the winter break !
The squad for this game was again somewhat depleted, and like last week some, of the lads found themselves playing in unfamiliar positions. The back four was Ryan Y, Andrew, Josh A and Kieran,with Jordan pushed up into midfield alongside Jack, Ryan S,and David, with 'CC' and Connor as the front two.
The Falcons started very brightly and contested every ball in all areas of the pitch, reducing Jarrow to a couple of long range efforts, which were never going to trouble Cameron in the Falcons goal. After only 15 minutes Ryan S was unable to continue and was replaced by Ethan who slotted into left midfield. Falcons first scoring opportunity fell to Jordan who broke forward into space on the edge of the box, but dragged his shot left of the Jarrow goal. Soon after Ryan Y lifted the ball over the Jarrow back line into the path of Connor, but unfortunately his first touch allowed the ball to get away from him, and the keeper was able to smother his effort.Connors next chance was a well struck shot from the edge of the box which shaved the wrong side of the post. Another escape for the Dragons who were probably relieved to reach half-time with the scores still deadlocked at 0 - 0.
The interval team talk was easy, just more of the same, and Josh came on for Kieran, with Jordan moving back into the defence at right back.
Jarrow came out for the second half and gradually started to show why they were riding high in the league as they started to force the Falcons back, and created a few scoring opportunities.The pressure finally paid off when the ball wasn't cleared and a great shot from the edge of the box gave Cameron no chance. The Falcons had barely recovered from this set back when Jarrow grabbed their second with another close range effort which gave them the confidence to start knocking the ball about, and left the Falcons needing to find something special to get back into the game, however they didn't give up and continued to drive forward in search of a goal. Unfortunately it did not arrive and in the dying minutes Jarrow broke away down our right side and a low awkward cross come shot found its way past Cameron to give the scoreline a slightly flattering look at 3-0.
Another tough lesson and a case of what if.....Its all about converting pressure and possession, which we enjoyed for most of the first half,into goals, and then giving ourselves something to defend.
Loads of effort and commitment from all of the lads, but MoM was awarded to Andrew for his defensive display ! |
Sweet revenge at Hetton !
Falcons travelled to Hetton,who had inflicted a heavy home defeat on us back in October, looking for a valuable three points to help push them up the table. A great day for football,and a decent wide pitch. Team selection was again influenced by injuries,which saw Josh released back into a midfield role alongside Andrew, after his shift as centre half last week, and Jordan and Ryan Y back in the centre of defence. Connor was again asked to play as full back,as was Kieran A, and David and Ryan S occupied the wide roles. CC and Kieran led the front line.
The game started with a spell of pressure from the home team, but the Falcons coped well with the threats posed , and Cameron was looking very solid in goal. Josh and Andrew competed ferociously in the middle and refused to allow Hetton any time to create many opportunities,and CC and Kieran were a constant threat up front,keeping the Hetton defenders on their toes, and it was CC who broke the deadlock late in the first half with a trademark low well placed shot beyond the reach of the Hetton keeper, 1 - 0 to the Falcons. Back came Hetton in search of an equaliser but the lads were competing well in all areas of the pitch and seemed to be heading into the half time break ahead, until a very well executed curling shot from outside the box levelled the scores just seconds before the whistle. Half - time 1 - 1.
The second half was just as tight as the first, but with the sun on their backs and playing down the slope the Falcons seemed a lot sharper and enjoyed some good possession in the Hetton half.Kieran had a half chance but dragged his shot wide, and a couple of great corners from Andrew caused chaos in the Hetton penalty area but the ball just wouldn't drop to a Falcons player to apply the finishing touch.The goal did come though following a free kick mid-way into the Hetton half, delivered in by Andrew which seemed to have been dealt with by their defender but CC chased him to the touch-line , dispossessed him a played a great pass into the six yard box where Kieran slammed it home ! 2 -1 to the Falcons-could they preserve their lead this time ?
Josh M replaced Davy down the right, Ethan came on into the centre of the defence, Ryan Y went across to left back and Ben came on at right back. Hetton kept pushing for another goal and a cross from their left went straight through our six yard box but fortunately no-one was able to connect with it.The last 15 minutes seemed to last for an eternity but the Falcons sensed victory and were not going to be denied, indeed they had chances towards the end to put the result beyond doubt but the final score of 2-1 was enough to take all three points from a close game.
Great attitude and commitment from every player on the pitch today.
MoM the whole squad- well done! |
Falcons "mugged" by Rowan W*#@?^*rs
Matches against Rowan have generally been hard fought affairs, with little between the two teams, but today's ill-tempered encounter had passions running high, both on and off the pitch, and we were fortunate to bring home most of the lads still in one piece !!
On a great day for football, despite the small pitch and goals, the plan was to congest the midfield and play with Kieran as lone striker.The back four was unchanged from last week with Ryan Y ,Jordan, Kieran and Connor in front of Cameron. The midfield five was Josh A and M, Liam on the left,"CC", and "Iron man" Jack whose recovery from his foot injury ( 4weeks ahead of schedule !! )saw him resume his place in the centre of midfield.
The Falcons were into their stride right from the kick off and were contesting every ball in a very even first ten minutes. Rowan were not allowed to settle, and were being hurried into mistakes. Obviously when faced with such intense opponents some of their players felt the need to react by playing the man, in the hope that the ball would arrive somewhere near eventually .....! "CC" got an elbow in the face but the ref didn't see it, nor did he hear the constant abusive language coming from some of the Rowan boys. The lads to their credit rose above this intimidation and kept playing their game, and created a few half chances, however we soon found ourselves a goal down when their nippy No. 10 raced onto a through ball and coolly chipped over Cameron to make it 1-0. Falcons came straight back on the attack and had another couple of great chances but Rowan some how managed to scramble them away. The next bit of suspect refereeing came when CC was fouled just outside our 18 yard box, and fell on the ball in the process. The ref gave handball against him ?? and from the resulting free kick Rowan doubled their lead with a low shot just inside Cameron's right post.Darren politely asked for an explanation of the ref's decision, but didn't get much of an answer.
Despite being ahead certain Rowan players continued with their strong arm tactics and Liam copped for a right hook from one of their persistent offenders, but again the ref did not see it........... Darren again enquired as to the lack of intervention by the match official.
As the half was coming to its close we actually got a free kick around the half way line which Jack lined up, and then struck what must be a contender for goal of the season, as he hit a pile driver into the roof of the Rowan net to reduce the scoreline to 2 - 1 at the half time interval.
There was not much that we needed to say to the lads at half-time other than to let their football do the talking, everyone was well up for the challenge.
The second half saw more Falcons pressure, which eventually produced a deserved equaliser when Kieran raced onto a precise through ball and beat the keeper comprehensively with a low shot to make it 2 - 2 and you could cut the atmosphere with a knife..........
"CC" came off for a breather and Ben slotted into the midfield. The game became a bit stretched as both sides went looking for the winner, and when Kieran was felled in the box it looked like our chance had come, but perhaps predictably the decision was no penalty!! Rowan then broke down their right and put over a cross which was swept goal wards by their attacker,which took a looping deflection off Ryan, who had done well to get in a challenge,and ended up in the net past an unfortunate Cameron. 3 - 2 to Rowan, could the Falcons come back again ?
They certainly gave it their all, which meant more reckless challenges by Rowan, notably a lunge into the back of Liam which would have seen a red card in any league in the world! except this one....!At one point both Jack and Kieran were laid out on the pitch after "heavy" challenges, and Kieran could not continue, so CC came back on for the last few minutes.
Josh M had a golden chance late into the game to level things up but could not direct his header on goal, and even a last minute free kick which saw virtually every Falcons player up for it just would not drop favourably .
Final score 3 - 2 to Rowan, but the Falcons refused to be intimidated, and will be looking forward to the return game in a few weeks time to settle a few scores.
Great team performance by everyone, but outstanding contributions from Jack and Ryan Y who were jointly awarded M o M |
Southmoor sunk by rampant Falcons !
In the first mid-week fixture of the season, the Falcons travelled to Southmoor, looking to avenge the home defeat suffered on the opening day of the season.With almost a full squad to choose from, the line up had a different look to that which battled heroically on Sunday against Rowan. Andrew dropped into the centre of defence alongside Jordan,with Connor and Ryan as full backs. The midfield quartet was Jack,Josh,Micky and Kieran, and the twin strikers Brad and "CC". Cameron was between the posts!!
A continuation of the spirit and commitment shown against Rowan was all that was asked for before kick off! The game got off to a brisk start and the Falcons poured forward in search of an early break through, causing the Southmoor defence some anxious moments, but it was the home team who got the opener from a corner that wasn't cleared. 1 - 0 to Southmoor !The Falcons got straight back on the attack and "CC" Brad and Kieran were linking well up front in search of an equaliser, which came via a well struck low shot across the keeper by Brad which brought the teams level at 1-1. The remainder of the first half was a tight affair with chances at both ends, and just as it seemed that both sides had settled for going into the break level, Brad produced a carbon copy of his first goal to edge the Falcons ahead. Things got even better with only seconds of the half to go when Kieran added a third. Half time 3 - 1 to the Falcons............could the lads build on this great start in the second half..??
We didn't have to wait long to find out the answer, when Micky pounced on a loose ball just outside their six yard box to add the fourth, the result was in no doubt.Confidence seemed to flow through the team and they played some of their best football of the season, and were camped in the Southmoor half, for much of the second half.The possession brought its rewards as more goals followed. "CC" got back on the score sheet with two well taken efforts, Kieran got a second, and Jack crashed in his second in two games, but not from quite so far out as his strike against Rowan.David, Kieran ,Liam and Ben all got into the action in what was undoubtedly our best away win of the season.............so far !!!
A great all round team display which produced a vry impressive 8 - 1 victory for the Falcons.
MoM awarded to the whole squad.
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Riverside 'sunk' by fired up Falcons..!!!
There was "derby day delight" for the Falcons as they edged a hard fought match against their local rivals,Riverside, and picked up a valuable three points in the process.
Despite the mid-week goal feast against Southmoor this was always going to be a tense encounter between two teams scrapping for league points, and so it turned out.The opening exchanges were very even as both teams struggled to carve out many real goal scoring chances, until Falcons old boy, Ethan, tried his luck with a shot from all of 25 yards which he caught perfectly to give Riverside the lead.Back came the Falcons with the midfield quartet of Josh,Jack,David and Micky driving forward to try to create some opportunities for Kieran and CC up front, and the Falcons were rewarded when Kieran out paced the Riverside defenders before slotting home the equaliser. Half time 1 - 1
The second half started at a frantic pace and the Falcons enjoyed a little piece of luck when a shot from a Riverside forward smacked the inside of Cameron's right post, bounced out and was picked up by Ryan who burst down the wing before sending a ball over the top for Kieran to chase. He managed to get in a powerful low shot which the keeper could only parry, and David reacted quickest to smash the loose ball into the roof of the net.2 - 1 to the Falcons!
Riverside though refused to give up and enjoyed a spell of pressure, which was generally dealt with well by the back four of Jordan, Connor, Andrew and Ryan, but when a well delivered near post cross was clipped into the net to level things up at 2-2 both teams really started to go for it, and the game became inevitably stretched.Darren used all of the squad on a very warm day and Liam, Josh, Ryan S and Ben all got into the action. Andrew pushed forward into his more accustomed midfield role, and Ryan slotted into the centre of the defence as both sides started to mount attacks in search of the vital third goal.
The goal, when it came, was not one of Jack's cleanest strikes, and will not be competing with his Rowan effort for goal of the season, but when he poked a shot goal wards from a right wing corner, just out of the reach of the Riverside keeper, the Falcons victory seemed to have been secured.Riverside did keep going but their efforts had taken their toll, and they were unable to prize open the Ouston defence again.
Final score 3-2 to the Falcons, and another high energy, committed display by all the lads.
Darren chose Ryan Y as MoM for his determined defensive display from the first minute until the last!!
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Whitburn stunned by Falcons brave fightback !
The Falcons were looking to extend their recent good run of form against a Whitburn Juniors side, who were sitting just above them in the league table before the match, and had some strong and powerful players in their line up.The Falcons squad was severely tested for this game resulting in yet another revised line up,but they did not let us down!!
As expected, Whitburn did present a physical challenge in all areas of the pitch and it needed some tenacious challenging from the lads to keep them out, but just when it seemed that we had weathered the early pressure a long raking shot
( or was it a cross?? )flew over Cameron to give them the lead.The lads stuck to their task, and did create a few half chances,but Whitburn managed to protect their lead until half time.
The second half saw some tactical changes with Ben going up front to help CC, Liam and Michael came on to offer some width on the flanks, and at times we went three at the back in an effort to get back into the game. Unfortunately it was Whitburn who extended their lead soon after the restart when they beat the offside trap down the Falcons right and scored with a low,well placed shot to make it 2 - 0. When they got a corner soon after from which they made it 3- 0, we started to fear the worst for the lads who were looking a bit tired and dis-spirited.................but not for long, and when Michael cracked in a great left footed strike with over twenty minutes to go the Falcons seemed to find another gear, and went in search of another goal. It came following a great strike from Connor out on the right which crashed against the bar and was stabbed home by David who reacted quickest to the rebound, 3-2, and the momentum was very much with the Falcons.
Whitburn did not seem to be coping well with the increasing pressure that they were being put under as the lads forced them back, and enjoyed some good possession in their opponents half. We forced several corners, and sent up as many bodies as we dare in search of an equaliser,which eventually came just minutes from the end when Ben stabbed a bobbling shot towards the Whitburn goal from another corner,which somehow found its way into the net, following about three deflections off various players on the way................3 - 3, was there time to conjure up a winner??
Despite the Falcons best efforts Whitburn managed to hang on for a draw, but a well deserved and hard fought point for the Falcons.
A great show of character today by every player to battle back from three down.
MoM was awarded to Andrew, who competed in the middle against some big strong opponents and kept battling right until the final whistle. |
Falcons triumph in the fog !!
The Falcons headed to the seaside to take on Whitburn for the second time in a week, with only eleven fit and available players!! The tropical weather obviously had not reached Whitburn and the swirling mist almost engulfed the pitch at times but the lads picked up where they had left off on Sunday and were quickly starting to threaten the Whitburn goal.
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Weary Falcons pipped by Warriors !
The Falcons resources were again severely stretched for this encounter with Rowan, which was always going to be a tight and physical affair! Down to eleven fit players for kick off, that quickly became ten when Kieran picked up a knock which left him struggling to run for the rest of the match, however the lads stuck to their task throughout the game and can count themselves extremely unfortunate not to have taken at least a point from this game.
The Falcons took the lead following some great perseverance down the right by Connor who battled into the box, despite a couple of heavy challenges and crossed to Liam who hooked the ball in from close range to make it 1 - 0. Rowan came back and their two tricky forwards started to look threatening and it was their no.9 who levelled things up with a well controlled chip on the run which Cameron could do nothing about. The lads heads certainly didn't go down and they continued to compete strongly, especially in the congested midfield areas where Jack and Andrew didn't give an inch, and the back four stayed strong. Half time arrived with the scores still level.
The Falcons started the second period strongly and quickly restored their lead when Liam raced onto a great through ball and put a perfect pass into the path of CC who calmly almost passed it into the Rowan net to make it 2 - 1. Were Rowan going to finally crack ? They threw their big no.5 up front in search of an equaliser and started to apply considerable pressure onto our already depleted resources, and they dragged themselves back on level terms when a cross from their left was thundered into the net to level things up again at 2 - 2! Despite their best efforts the lads found it increasingly difficult to keep hold of the ball and were not able to create many more clear cut chances, and just when it seemed that the match was destined to end in a draw Rowan managed to conjure up a late winner to break Falcons spirits.
There was to no coming back from that, however the lads can be very proud of their commitment and determination against a very physical and resilient team. Lots of quality performances all over the pitch but MoM was awarded to Jordan who put in a whole hearted, tough tackling performance as sweeper, giving as good as he got !! |
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