A sunny, but blustery East Brighton Park was the venue for the first ever encounter between BRIGHTON BANDITS FC and newcomers to the scene, London Falcons. Owing to absentees, Brighton went out missing much of the side who overcame both Leicester and the Leftfooters in recent weeks. Nonetheless, both Clubs were up for it - Brighton to continue their winning run and the Falcons to test their mettle when in front of more recognized opposition.

Brighton's routine (most of the time) is to begin slowly and they did this once more. I could not believe this meeting was between the current GFSN National League title holders and the very inexperienced Falcons, who then went in front. With just ten minutes on the clock it seemed like Brighton could be on the receiving end of their first loss in eighteen months.

Even going behind did not seem to spur the Brighton boys on and it took twenty minutes before they got themselves on level terms. However, to give Brighton some credit, there were plenty of decent opportunities to score, including some clever short corners and two spot kick decisions (which seemed impossible not to give) being turned down. Maybe justice was done, with Brighton's opener coming from the spot, with Matt Haywood being the person to convert it. This brought the Brighton team to life, who were beginning to keep possession well and soon went in front. First, Jamie Harper sent his effort up and over the keeper and into the net for 2 - 1, before Skipper Steve Taylor scored to see Brighton end the opening period with the scoreline showing 3 - 1 to the home side.

The second period was much more even, with the strong winds helping the Falcons put even more pressure on Brighton, who were with no other option but to keep it on the deck. They soon came to recognize this could work out for the better. The two sides both knew there was more to come in this encounter and it did, inside the closing fifteen minutes, when the stylish Falcons number 45s stonking shot from outside the box went rocketing into the Brighton net, setting up a very nervous ending to the tie. However, with under five minutes to go, Matt secured the victory, when his excellent movement and timely connection with the cross, sent the ballthundering beyond the helpless keeper and into the net to complete the 4 - 2 scoreline.

There were some good moments of skill from the Brighton side, including some excellent link up work between the two front men. However, there were some very nervous moments too and the slow beginning from the entire Brighton side needs to be looked over in next few weeks, otherwise the outcome could not be so positive next time.