Falkirk

Grant Heaney
Fan writer

Throwing away a two-goal lead and shipping six goals against Rangers were obvious frustrations, but there is another bugbear that I, and I'm sure many other Falkirk fans, will share from that defeat.

What is becoming a particularly bad habit - especially in home games - is we are conceding goals right before half-time.

That was the case again on Sunday. Had we gone in at the interval with a two-goal buffer we would have given ourselves a far better chance of avoiding the second-half collapse that followed.

In fact, Rangers' first goal was the 15th time we have conceded between the half-hour mark and half-time whistle in the Scottish Premiership this season - more than any other side in the division, and by some distance.

It was the same against Dundee United in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals last month when we came flying out the traps and raced into a two-goal lead, only to let Jim Goodwin's side back into the game just before the break. From there, it was backs to the wall for long spells in the second half.

On top of that, there's been a tendency to concede quickly after scoring. That was evident on Sunday when we pulled a goal back to make it 4-3 from the penalty spot, only to be 5-3 down less than five minutes later.

If we can iron out these inefficiencies, we'll put ourselves in a far stronger position in matches. It's certainly an area of game management John McGlynn will be keen to see improvement on between now and the end of the season.

Calvin Miller hopes the top-six run-in with Falkirk will provide him with one last stage to audition for a Scotland World Cup role. (Daily Record), external

Falkirk are to rethink their ticketing policy for the final game of the season against Rangers following complaints about visiting fans in the home stands for Sunday's meeting. (Daily Record), external

Read more: Tuesday's Scottish football gossip

Image source, SNS

Falkirk boss John McGlynn believes his side's heavy defeat to Rangers could be the "kick up the backside" they need before of Saturday's Scottish Cup semi-final.

The Bairns are hoping to see off Dunfermline at Hampden and take a step closer to the trophy but need to pick themselves up after Sunday's bruising 6-3 home defeat.

McGlynn aims to take the positives from a game where his side held a deserved 2-0 lead until just before half-time, and emphasised that Dunfermline will be tough opposition.

"We know that we really need to be at it," he said. "We have to train well all week. All week. We need to be on it all week.

"The games that Dunfermline won against Hibs and Aberdeen tell you that they are more than capable of beating Premiership opposition.

"So we are under no illusions. The message will be getting hammered home this week. This could be the best thing that could happen to us to make sure we get it right next week.

"We've got to take positives from it. We've done so well all season. It's a bit uncharacteristic to lose goals as we did. We need to bounce back."

Falkirk suffered a 3-0 defeat by Inverness in their most recent semi-final appearance three years ago and McGlynn hopes that experience will help as he looks to book a place in the showpiece final in May.

"We're really excited," he said. "Falkirk as a town, everyone's really buzzing for it.

"We've done well to get there. When you go away from home and beat Hearts, put out Dundee United, we've done it the hard way.

"We've played big, big games. We're very much looking forward to it."

Watch highlights as Rangers fight back from two down at Falkirk by scoring six times in a nine-goal Scottish Premiership thriller.

Available in UK only

Image source, SNS

Falkirk manager John McGlynn told BBC Sportsound: "I though we started the game really, really well and taking the game to Rangers. We scored a good goal and then Yeats gets a great strike so I felt we were well on top. I thought we had Rangers at that moment in time.

"Unfortunately, we're giving away too many free kicks and from that they get a corner and from there we fail to defend it. We're claiming for the ball to be out when we've got no idea if the ball is out of not.

"On the cameras we've got it doesn't show anything. You know from under-10 level to play to the whistle. Instead of defending, we're claiming for things. We're maybe a bit unlucky it lands at the boy's foot to score but it's a lifeline that Rangers took and changed the game.

"The second half we were too soft in challenges. We've got to win challenges and that was the story of the second half.

"We tried to play through the eye of a needle, got hit in transition, were open and we got exploited and hurt.

"We got a goal back and didn't even give ourselves a chance to build on it because we concede again. All the goal s are poor and cheap. Fair play to Rangers, they got a lifeline and took it.

"We knew they would come at us and we just didn't have enough to prevent it.

"We've done so many good things this season we're not going to let it destroy us. There's a big game next weekend against Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup semi-final and it's an entirely different game and the stakes are very, very high.

"We'll pick the boys up, be positive all week and we'll be ready to go."

Rangers remarkably recovered from going two goals down to score six times against Falkirk in a nonsensical nine-goal contest and move back within a point of Hearts in this absorbing Scottish Premiership title race.

Read the full match report here.

And have your say on a remarkable match here.

Image source, SNS

Falkirk goalkeeper Scott Bain is relishing the "freedom" of having secured top six status.

John McGlynn's side confirmed their spot in the top half of the table with one game to spare after beating Motherwell last weekend, while Dundee United lost to Rangers.

And while Bain suggests a weight has been lifted, Falkirk can't drop the ball in their final six games as they prepare to host Rangers on Sunday.

"I've had that before at Dundee where we reached the top six and then I don't think we won a game in the top six," he said.

"It was a bit like 'we've done it' and you take a deep breath and then before you know it, you've lost every game.

"It's such an interesting season, it's such an interesting title race so for us to be a part of that, that will be a bit of a motivation for us going into these games, that we can have a big say in these games and they're not just dead rubbers.

"The gaffer has also touched on that. That's what managers like to do, move the goalposts a wee bit.

"The aim is top six and then once you get top six, the aim is fifth so it keeps us on our toes and I think that'll help us to keep going. It's really open from six all the way up to fifth and fourth.

"We've overachieved to reach this point so we can also play with a little bit of freedom now.

"I think there were a couple of games before securing top six where we were maybe a wee bit nervous or a wee bit not right because of that leaning over us.

"So I think we'll have a little bit of freedom going into the games and anything that we do from here on out is really, really amazing."

Image source, SNS

Falkirk continue without Louie Marsh and Ethan Williams (both thigh) but have no other selection problems.

Rangers pair Ryan Naderi and Tuur Rommens miss out, while Andreas Skov Olsen and Mikey Moore are fitness doubts.

Image source, SNS

Falkirk can now play with freedom and zero fear as they play catch-up in the race for European qualification while relishing the chance to influence the destiny of the title itself, goalkeeper Scott Bain has warned their top-six rivals.

The Bairns entertain Rangers on Sunday in the first game since securing the final place in the top half of the table as the Scottish Premiership prepares to split for the final five games.

"I've had that before at Dundee where we reached the top six and then I don't think we won a game in the top six," Bain recalled.

"It was a bit like 'we've done it' and you take a deep breath and then before you know it, you've lost every game.

"It's such an interesting season, it's such an interesting title race, so for us to be a part of that, that will be a bit of a motivation for us going into these games, that we can have a big say in these games and they're not just dead rubbers.

"The aim is top six and then, once you get top six, the aim is fifth, so it keeps us on our toes and I think that'll help us to keep going.

"It's really open from six all the way up to fifth and fourth.

"We've overachieved to reach this point, so we can also play with a little bit of freedom now.

"I think there were a couple of games before securing top six where we were maybe a wee bit nervous or a wee bit not right because of that leaning over us.

"So I think we'll have a little bit of freedom going into the games and anything that we do from here on out is really, really amazing."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Falkirk manager John McGlynn has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for Sunday's visit of Rangers.

Here are the main points:

• McGlynn "doesn't want to lose enthusiasm" after his side secured top six last weekend and insists they are focused on catching the teams above them in the split - that's their "new challenge".

• When they meet in the split, McGlynn suggests Hibs, who are currently the team above them, will "want to try and get us back" after the Bairns won 4-1 back in January.

• The Falkirk boss says "there's still a few dangly carrots" for his team this season, admitting "we want to try and get to a Scottish Cup final" which is a "vehicle for getting into Europe".

• He adds "we're used to going right to the end, hopefully it'll be no different this time."

• And while the Bairns boss knows "we will have a say in who wins the title", he stresses "it won't be down to anything other than trying to do the best for Falkirk".

• On Danny Rohl's impact at Rangers, McGlynn notes "from the minute he came in he's managed to win games and continuously win games" but the Falkirk manager knows "there's going to be twists and turns" before the end of the season.

• McGlynn acknowledges "we're setting records all the time" but stresses "we want to pick up even more points".

• The World Cup "might come too soon" for Barney Stewart and hopes if he keeps scoring goals that could "propel him into a Scotland squad" which would be "the icing on the cake".

• Team news: no fresh injury concerns before Sunday. Louie Marsh has been back at Sheffield United and it's "unlikely he'll play again this season".

Image source, SNS

• Rangers' Djeidi Gassama has had more shots following carries (29) than any other player in the Scottish Premiership this season, while he ranks second in the division for successful dribbles (53), behind Ibrahim Said's 57.

• Rangers have scored four goals in both of their last two league games, last doing so three games running in the league in December 2020 under Steven Gerrard.

• None of Falkirk's last eight home league games have been drawn, with the Bairns winning four and losing four since a goalless draw with Motherwell in December.

• Rangers have only lost one of their last 47 top-flight meetings with Falkirk (W38 D8), a 0-1 defeat in December 2006 under Paul Le Guen.

• Falkirk are unbeaten in their last four home league games against Rangers (W2 D2) since a 2-0 defeat in the Scottish Championship in August 2014.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Barney Stewart says any talk of a move away from Falkirk can wait until the end of the season.

March Scottish Premiership player of the month Stewart, who turned 22 on Tuesday, has scored 10 goals since returning to the club from Dunfermline Athletic, where he spent the first five months of the season on loan.

The striker scored eight goals for Dunfermline in the Championship and has found himself linked with clubs north and south of the border.

"The best thing to do is just to block it out until the end of the season," Stewart told BBC Scotland. "I don't even know what clubs have been speculated or what's been said or whatnot and I don't really care at this moment in time.

"Falkirk's done so much for me - brought me here, shown me love. The fans took me in from the first minute. It's easy to block out other clubs just because why else would I be looking elsewhere right now?"

Two years ago, Stewart was playing university football with Heriot Watt before being picked up by Falkirk manager John McGlynn. He says playing in last season's Championship with the Bairns gave him a great insight in to what was required to become a player at the top level of Scottish football.

"I definitely needed that period last season where I'm just getting introduced to the SPFL, even though it was the Championship," Stewart said. "I needed that sort of grace period where I just needed to get used to things, the speed of play, the speed of thought.

"And then, a bit more time in the Championship this season did a world of good for me. And then, finally made the step up to the Premiership and it's been great.

"It's obviously a very high standard but it seems to be working out alright. Not just the physicality, because it's very physical in the Championship as well, but I'd say it's just the speed of thought.

"One error and you've got top, top players against you that will catch you out. So, you've got to be really smart with how you play and you've got to be really focused for 90 minutes. You can't switch off because teams will punish you for that."

Grant Heaney
Fan writer

Almost two years to the day after finally ending five long, painful years in the doldrums of Scottish League One with a 7-1 triumph at Montrose, Falkirk have remarkably secured a top-six finish in the Scottish Premiership.

From those dark days to where we are now, the turnaround has been astonishingly quick.

It has been an exceptional effort from everyone connected to the club.

We finally rubber-stamped our place in the top six and capped it off in style with what I would argue was our finest performance of the season at Fir Park.

The three points were richly deserved, and emerging victorious from such a difficult venue - not once, but twice this season - is a real feather in our cap.

It's also worth noting that five of the nine home goals Motherwell have conceded in the Premiership this season have come at the hands of Falkirk.

I think that I speak for all Bairns fans when I say it was particularly satisfying to clinch a top-six place on our own merit, without needing to rely on results elsewhere.

Saturday's victory also gives us plenty to look forward to as the top-flight season heads towards a thrilling climax.

The chance to play a part in the Scottish Premiership title race is a real bonus, and there is also our all-important Scottish Cup semi-final tie against Dunfermline to look forward to.

It was a day for celebration at Fir Park, and here's hoping there are more to come over the next six weeks or so.

Watch Sportscene pundit Michael Stewart discuss Falkirk's improvement throughout their Scottish Premiership return after Saturday's win at Motherwell confirmed their place in the top six.

Available in UK only

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

GK: Raphael Sallinger (Hibernian)

Almost seems to get in by default at the moment because of another weekend lacking any outstanding goalkeeping performances. A couple of saves and a clean sheets means the Austrian gets the gloves again.

RB: Dujon Sterling (Rangers)

A solid performer at Ibrox and nabbed a goal in the vital 4-2 win over Dundee United.

CB: Luke Graham (Dundee)

A colossus at the back for the Dark Blues all afternoon. Unfortunate to be on the losing side.

CB: Alex Gogic (St Mirren)

Seldom a weekend goes by when this team of the week favourite doesn't find his way into the starting XI. His brilliant headed goal against Aberdeen and a clean sheet earns him another call-up.

LB: Jordan Obita (Hibernian)

Set up the goal for Felix Passlack after Owen Elding's pass unlocked the Kilmarnock defence. An effective presence down the Hibs left.

CM: Felix Passlack (Hibernian)

Another big goal for the former Borussia Dortmund man. The German has a knack for arriving in the box at just the right time.

CM: Stevie May (Livingston)

Once upon a time had the flowing locks and the killer touch of a goal machine number nine in his glorious St Johnstone era. These days he has refashioned himself into one of Livingston's most versatile players.

Age and injuries take their toll on all players but his precision finish and general clever play were fundamental for Livingston in their draw with Hearts.

FW: Owen Elding (Hibernian)

What a prospect he looks for Hibs. The 20-year-old who arrived from Sligo Rovers opened the scoring after 13 seconds against Kilmarnock and his pass to unlock the Killie defence for the Passlack goal was a measured thing of beauty.

FW: Lawrence Shankland (Hearts)

Powered in his headed goal and looked the part all afternoon against Livingston. Full of invention, poise and confidence. But, crucially, it's his killer instinct in the box that counts most.

With the national team struggling for goals, will he be Scotland's go-to man for the World Cup opener against Haiti?

FW: Claudio Braga (Hearts)

Player of the season? A joy to watch, every part of his game looks great right now. Never a doubt the goal would be scored when the chance came his way.

Could the partnership with Shankland be the key ingredient that gets the Hearts title tilt over the line? Earns extra points for me for his desire to stay on his feet in the box rather than look for a penalty.

FW: Calvin Miller (Falkirk)

A contender for the Scotland squad? The national team could do with a creative winger with pace and Calvin Miller has been providing that all season in the Premiership for Falkirk.

The stats add up as well, seven goals and 10 assists in all competitions.

Watch all the highlights as Falkirk edge past Motherwell.