Falcons progress to the quarter finals of the GFSN Cup with a comprehensive 9-2 win over Leftfooters in Barnes.
The fixture was used to provide those who hadn't seen as much pitch time this season to stake their claim for a position in future games. Jimmy, Paddy, Stevie, Alex, John, Jack and the two Bens were absent as Kevin and Percy made their debuts and Abdul made his first start. Chairman Matt came in at leftback.
Fortunately, any fears about gelling as a team were unfounded and Falcons made a strong start with Abdul scoring his first Falcons goal after ten minutes. A controversial equaliser pegged us back on fifteen minutes but we got our nose back in front moments later, Olu scoring his first of the season after good work from Abdul.
Kieran came on for Pete as Matt delivered a super throughball to allow Chris to make it three before a game of keepy-up saw Olu head in for number four.
The first half action finished with Cal coming on for Abdul and Chris converting a penalty after being brought down as he headed towards the goal.
So, 5-1 at half time and little to say other than to keep playing good football and for Phil to come on for Brady.
We didn't quite have our shooting boots on for the first 15 minutes of the second half as Percy, Cal and Chris were all put through one-on-one with the goalkeeper but couldn't quite find the back of the net. However, we finally got there as Cal showed great pace to break through and keep up his cup scoring form with Falcons' sixth goal.
Abdul claimed his second goal soon after coming back on to the pitch but it was the eighth goal which was the real pearler - Percy capping off a strong debut display with a beautiful curler from 20 yards up and over the goalkeeper to make it 8-1.
Somewhere in all of this Leftfooters broke through the Falcons defence and, despite a smart save from Conal, managed to grab a goal back. However, after Duncan was fouled at a corner, there was a splendid end to the game as Andrew was invited up from centre back for the chance to score his first goal for the club. He made no mistake with a confident shot into the top corner and Falcons finished the game as 9-2 winners.
This was a comfortable win but one that was achievable only through hard work and a number of newcomers looking to impress. We will find out who we face in the quarter finals in Bristol in the next few days. Before that, our next fixture is away to Phoenix on November 12th.
Squad: Conal, Matt, Brady (Phil 46), Andrew, Pete (Kieran 20), Percy, Duncan, Olu, Abdul (Cal 30), Kevin, Chris
Scorers: Abdul (10, 70), Olu (20, 30), Chris (25, 40), Cal (60), Percy (75), Andrew (80)