Falcons dodge the Bullets

Report by Phill Brown[b]

Nestled in the long grass on the side of a mountain to the west of Bracknell, is the home of the Bracknell Bulletts. The Falcons played here in a close game last season, where they ultimately lost 3-2 to a late, controversial, penalty. I remember there were tears.

The Falcons arrived fresh from an unbeaten pre-season, keen to make a strong start to the season. A slightly different line-up saw Archie's competitive debut in goal, Richard as a roving striker, and Marcus joining Louis in defence.

We started the game playing uphill, we knew we'd need to play well against a strong team on a ground where they are used to the conditions. Defence would be key and we'd need to take our chances when we got them. The first quarter was tight, with good play from both teams. Both defences were strong and cancelling out each other's attacks. The Falcons edged midfield, with Matthew, Max and Pete playing great balls in and pushing forward to support Richard up front.

It was one of these through balls from Max that gave the Falcons the opening goal. Finding Matthew out on the left, he took the ball round a defender and drilled a low shot past their keeper [b]1-0.

The lead didn't last long, with the Bullets equalising shortly after, a strong shot and slippery ball squeezed past Archie, who almost saved it.

The second quarter, similar to the first offered more end-to-end play . Our defence remained strong, with some lovely ball control, skills and passing from both team's midfields. Midway through the quarter the Falcons took the lead again. Starting with a pass out to the left from Matthew to Pete, Pete flicked the ball up and absolutely leathered it into the top corner. Unstoppable! even Petr Cech wouldn't have got near it. It doesn't matter what level of football you are watching, screaming rocket-powered goals are always special!! :-) 2-1.

Again though, the Bulletts regained parity very quickly to make it 2-2. To me it looked like we lost a bit of concentration after scoring two great goals, something we can work on in future games.

It was all square at half time.

The third quarter, Falcons playing down hill, should have been easier. But if the the Falcons slightly edged a tight game in the first half, the Bulletts were beginning to edge the second. The quarter ended 2-2.

The final quarter was more open as both teams went looking for a win. Archie made save after save, pushing the ball over and around the goal. Our defence, expertly shepherded by Louis and Marcus, played excellently throughout, not more so than when defending 5 corners in a row midway through the fourth quarter. Stanley and Gabriel were working hard on the wing and up front, really putting pressure on the Bullett's defence.

The breakthrough came from a free-kick won by Matthew. He played a dangerous ball into the box which Pete was able to dink under the keeper and into the net. 3-2!

This time we kept our concentration and didn't concede again, to see out the match and win our first game of the season!

Bracknell Bulletts 2
(9), (22)

Hearts Falcons 3
Gillespie (8)
Leyland (22), (46)

Player of the Week - Max - for a terrier-like performance in midfield and all round play, plus an assist for Matthew's goal.