NATIONAL CUP 1st ROUND

Chelmsford 1, Falcons 1 (Foley)

Falcons won 3-1 on penalties 

Eastwood Falcons 60s Yellows travelled to face their old rivals Chelmsford in the first round of this year’s National Cup on Tuesday 9th April.

During  early possession by Chelmsford John Watson made some fine saves. However, after a slow start Eastwood began to take control of the game. Finally Eastwood’s pressure paid off when Colin Foley cut in onto his left foot and struck the ball low and hard past his defender and the keeper into the corner of the net. Eastwood then controlled the game until half time. In the second half Eastwood maintained control and the Chelmsford keeper kept the score to 1-0 with a couple of fine saves. Both sides were a man down for periods of 4 minutes at points in the second half due to blue cards . Eastwood kept good possession when a man down with Steve Hearne and  Gareth Ackery defending resolutely , aided by Bob Hodges and Barry Thornton providing a barrier in front of them. Having played so well Eastwood were very disappointed then to concede a goal in the last 40 seconds for a 1-1 draw , sending the game to penalties. However Eastwood held their nerve and Gary Bell, Bob Hodges and Gareth Ackery converted their penalties and John saved one of Chelmsford’s for a 3-1 victory in the shoot out to reach the second round of a competition Falcons have seen considerable success in over recent years.  

Squad: John Watson, Steve Hearne, Gareth Ackery, Colin Foley , Barry Thornton, Gary Bell , Bob Hodges and Mark Hughes.

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Images (above): Matchday squad; Gary Bell's penalty