In first grade, Falcons coach Michael Gus Garcia used 14 players in a confident performance, sealed by a 2-0 win with goals from Brendon Burke (penalty) and Daniel Petrolo.

The competition was tough, with their opposition's opportunities to score prevented by a solid goal-keeping exhibition from Falcons' Brendon Jovanovski.

Defence and midfield always looked safe, while up front the finishing could have improved, but overall the coach was happy.

Falcons coaching staff has been strengthened, joined by team manager Robert Trevor and club medico Fred Zammit, with an offer from former English professional John Bingham to coach goalkeepers.

Youth grade coach Klaus Wunsch used a full complement of 18 youngsters.

A couple of extra players are still sidelined with injuries, but are in the running to be signed up for the eventual squad.

Theirs was a game of two very different halves.

At the break the Falcons were down 4-0, but came back strong after positional changes, winning the second half 1-0 with a goal from Logan Gibb who started as substitute goal keeper but later played outside, as well as in reserve grade.

Reserve grade showed real class, winning 4-0, with goals from Blake Crandell, Neil Saravanja and John Koroskoski, to the delight of coaches Nathan Porteous and Michael Gunery.

In all, 16 players were given the opportunity to show their skills and none disappointed. The squad looks very solid and eventually the coaches have to make their final selection.