U-17s Defeated by Whitburn (April 14, 2008)
Falkirk travelled to Whitburn yesterday to play a league game but unfortunately the middle of the park was really heavy which made controlling and passing of the ball very difficult in that area.
With Lisa unavailable, Hannah Ritchie, from the U-15 blues was called in to slot into the midfield alongside Lauren. Both Hannah and Lauren had a tough, physical battle in the bog in the middle of the park but they continued to work tirelessly throughout the game.Lauren was unlucky to get booked for a late challenge especially when she was at the receiving end of a few unfair and late challenges throughout the game.
Falkirk started the brighter team and within a few mins Jenny took the ball for a run down the right wing and crossed over a great ball for Nicky to shoot. However her tame shot was comfortably saved by their keeper. Whitburn were quick to attack and their striker was given space to fire in a low shot from the edge of the box which somehow managed to creep under Natasha's body and into the goal. 1 - 0
Falkirk created few chances after this and Whitburn always looked threatening on the break. Jade came on at right back for Kerry who was feeling unwell and the rest of the first half was a battle in the midfield apart from Whitburn forcing Natasha into a couple of good saves.
Half-Time 1 - 0
Falkirk came out the stronger in the second half and after some confusion in the Whitburn penalty area were unlucky not to equalise when the ball rebounded around players and chances fell to Laura, Sheryl and Jenny. However Whitburn were awarded a free kick on the edge of our box when Maxine fouled but fortunately they struck it over the bar.
However midway through the second half Whitburn doubled their lead when our defence stepped out leaving their attacker offside but the ref played on and the ball threaded through to her was struck with force leaving Natasha no chance. 2 - 0
Falkirk never gave up and Sheryl won a free kick just outside their box when she was taken down from behind. Maxine stepped up to take it but hit it straight at the wall. Falkirk were then denied a strong penalty claim when Laura was protecting the ball near the bye line and trying to turn and pass to Nicky when the defender slid in from the back taking Laura and the ball out of the park.
Lindsay, just back from injury, came on for Kim at left back.
Minutes later Nicky won the ball on the left and drove into the box releasing a shot at goal which canoned off a Whitburn player and landed nicely for Hannah who calmly placed her shot into the top right hand corner. 2 - 1
This seemed to raise Falkirk who were pushing for the equaliser and they won a corner but Whitburn were resolute in defence and the ball was cleared up the park where Maxine gave away another freekick, which resulted in a booking for her. Again Whitburn blasted the ball high and wide of goal. In the dying minutes Nicky made another good run down the left and crossed a low ball in front of goal where Sheryl was waiting and her shot brought out a good save from the keeper.
Final Score: 2 - 1
Scorer: Hannah
Squad: Natasha, Kerry, (Jade), Maxine, Sarah, Kim, (Lindsay), Lauren, Hannah, Jenny, Nicky, Laura, Sheryl
Sub not used: Natalie
This was a disappointing result for the team but they were outplayed and outfought for most of it which left some of them frustrated and prone to rash tackles.
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