Mens 4th XI Vs Livingston & West Lothian Men's 1s

First game of the season for the M4's saw a home game at GHS against our bogy side of the last few seasons, Livingston HC.

For the first time in many a season, the M4's could call on 5 substitutes and while on paper an advantage, not being used to such luxuries, led to a number of positional difficulties during the game.

What was clear and a perennial problem for M4's in early season matches, lack of fitness and first touch / rustiness costs us.

However, in saying that the team started well, with Scott Gegan and Shaun Gilchrist making the starting XI and when Falkirk started to use the ball, a 9 pass move from back to front, saw Ali Kerr hit a clean shot from the edge of the D, with Graeme Shields close on hand to make sure and open the scoring.

The second half saw Falkirk rotate players more frequently, this headed up being to Livingston's advantage, obtaining the equalizer and then through Falkirk shooting themselves in foot with some loose play and umpteen chances to clear, taking the lead.

On going 2-1 down M4s re-grouped and found another gear, with good play between Forbes and Morrison down the right, Shields played the ball onto the P spot where Jewells finished to make it 2-2.

Unfortunately, while having the momentum in the game, Falkirk failed to convert a number of good chances and this ultimately cost Falkirk, with Livingston winning a short corner and converting to go 3-2 up.

With the minutes ticking away, Falkirk pressed for goal to take something from the match, however poor finishing meant a positive result was not gained and the game finished 3-2 to Livingston.

Many thanks for Lindsay Rankin who stepped up and umpired for the M4's - the most disciplined we've been to an umpire for many a season. Lindsay, hope you can umpire in the future for us again.