Falcons XI: Conal; Pete, Matt H, Sam; Kieran, Matt D; Myles, Jim, Charlie; Chris, Will (c)
Man of the Match: Charlie Hathaway
Goals: Matt D (30'), Will (65')
London Falcons soared to a comfortable 2-0 victory in their season opener against RPCUB to secure a winning start to their Wimbledon and District League campaign.
Both sides began cagily in the searing South West London heat, with the hosts having the best of the early chances, hitting the woodwork twice within the opening quarter of an hour, after a couple of quick breaks. However, the visitors soon settled and from then on took control of the game, with league debutants Jim, Myles and Charlie commanding the midfield as the Falcons began to turn the screw.
The breakthrough came shortly after the first drinks break, with good work from Charlie in midfield allowing Matt Doherty to latch onto his through ball and finish neatly for his second goal in as many games. From then on, it was Falcons domination with Chris, Will and Charlie all having chances to add to the score, but at the interval the scoreline remained a frustrating 1-0.
Yet instead of nerves beginning to jangle, the Falcons continued to show composure and control across the pitch and were rewarded for their endeavours with a second just after the hour mark. Shortly after his introduction, Toby, returning from a lengthy injury, linked up nicely with strike partner Will, who sprinted through the RPUCB backline to round the keeper with a tidy strike to double the Falcons' advantage.
Still it could have been more, with Will going close again and Jim Pomeroy's audacious 50-yard effort into an open net being inexplicably ruled out after an ambitious bit of sweeper keeper play from Raynes left the goal gaping. The referee's justification was due to a RPCUB player being on the deck, but it seemed harsh to deny the Devon-born debutant such a finish.
However, the Falcons can be happy with their performance and we now roll on to the next fixture against London Olympia at Tooting Bec this Saturday!
If you fancy joining the squad, why not come down to training at Kennington Park, where we meet every Tuesday night at 7:45pm! We play league matches on Saturday afternoons, which means Soccer Special and drinks in the pub afterwards!