The Bairns come from behind to earn back-to-back promotions!

Falkirk FC are premiership bound after defeating Hamilton Accies 3-1 in the last game of the season. John McGlynn and his men did it the hard way after a poor run of form allowed a red-hot Livingston side back into title discussions. The stage was set for an absolute cracker as both sides sat on the same points heading into this game. Goals from Calvin Miller and an Ethan Ross double were enough to send the Bairns into the Premiership for the first time in 15 years. The first half kicked off and there were certainly no nerves amongst the fans as they were creating a party atmosphere. That was short lived however as after only 5 minutes the Accies took the lead. Poor defending and nerves from the home sides defence allowed Captain Scott Robinson to slot it home. Following this it was one way traffic with the Bairns throwing everything at the Hamilton back line. Falkirk playing some nice intricate football but just lacking that cutting edge in front of goal. The Championship trophy was Livingston’s until the 33 rd minute when Scott Arfield was brought down on the edge of the box with many calling for a penalty. A freekick was awarded, Ethan Ross stepped up and curled the ball into the top left-hand corner of the net putting the trophy back in Falkirk hands. In the 38 th minute cheers rang out around the stadium as news had filtered through that Partick Thistle had scored against Livingston. The home side continued to push for a goal to put themselves in the lead, but Steven McLean blew the whistle for half time. The second half kicked off the fans split between party mode and nail-biting nerves. It began initially a little less one sided than the way the first half ended. Hamilton had a little more of the ball in the first ten minutes of the half. The home side then found the form from the first half and in the 59th minute scrappy defending in the Accies box fell to the feet of Ethan Ross who fired the ball from close range in the back of the net. This was his second of the night and put the home side 2-1 ahead, 3 points above Livingston, and put one of John McGlynn’s hands on the championship trophy. In the 71 st minute the party atmosphere was heightened when the ball found it’s way to the feet of Calvin Miller on the left-hand side of the goal. He smashed it low, finding the bottom right corner of the goal to put the Bairns 3-1 up, taking them that bit closer to the title and automatic promotion. Scott Arfield, who was part of the Falkirk team that suffered relegation 15 years ago rejoined the club this past February said; “It is the most fulfilled and content I have felt on a football pitch because it was a story I was desperate to make happen”. When asked where it ranked in his managerial career John McGlynn said; “To go back-to-back, it’s amazing, absolute amazing, it has to be the best”. With their flare, style of play and story Falkirk will be a welcome addition to the Scottish Premiership. We now wait to see who out of Livingston, Ayr United and Partick Thistle will face in the playoffs.

Partick Thistle secure playoffs in a scrappy victory over Livingston

Date: 2/5/2025 Time: 19:45 Location: Home of the Set Fare Arena With the possibility of Livingston winning the Scottish Championship, this fixture would surely be one to remember. The title was in the hands of Falkirk, who just had to win their remaining game to lift the title. However, with Livingston hot on their heels, they were hoping Falkirk would slip up, allowing them a shot at first place. Livingston failed to make their chances count in the final game of the season. After a dominant 90 minutes, the side just couldn’t find the back of the net. First Half There was an early chance for player-manager Brian Graham, as the ball fell to him just inside the box after a poor attempt at a defensive clearance. Unfortunately for the visitors, his shot was just over the bar. An even bigger chance came five minutes in, as Robbie Muirhead was played through one-on-one with the keeper, his shot was far from clinical, resulting in an easy save for David Mitchell. In an enthriling start, the hosts had plenty of chances and looked to give themselves an early advantage. However, they couldn’t manage to find the back of the net. Another big chance came for Livingston as they continued their search for the opener. Nice link-up play from Robhie Fraser and Cristian Montano, saw the winger at the byline. His cross was hit low and hard, but was eventually put out for a corner. The first yellow card of the game came 19 minutes in, as Luke McBeth brought down Montano on the halfway line. Stopping a potential counterattack. As the game passed thirty minutes, the hosts continued to be the stronger side. They looked the more likely of the two teams to score, they created more chances, and held onto the ball a lot better. The visitors took an unlikely lead in the 38th minute, as nice link-up play down the right saw Kanayo Mega firing a cross into the box. Unfortunately for Macauley Tait, it was his deflection that steered the ball into his own net. Just two minutes later, the hosts had a massive chance of their own. After some great hold-up play from Muirhead, the ball was set up perfectly for Stephen Kelly, whose curling effort from just inside the box crashed off the crossbar. As half time fell, it was the away team heading into the dressing room with the advantage. After a frantic start, the hosts dominated, but failed to capitalise on their chances. Second Half Just five minutes into the second half, due to an Injury, Sean Kelly was the first change of the match. He was replaced by Steven Lawless, which seemed to make a change in their tactical approach. Ryan McGowan was awarded a yellow card in the 58th minute for a challenge that had the home fans in complete dismissal. A coming together saw the centre back play his pass, then make contact. Livingston almost had themselves level just past the hour mark, as Lewis Smith floated his cross into the six-yard box. Mitchell punched the ball away. However, Muirhead latched onto it, getting his effort at goal cleared off the line. Another chance came the hosts’ way in the 67th minute after Smith latched onto a cross into the box. The winger took a touch with his chest but had his effort at goal blocked. With just over 15 minutes left, Livingston made a double change, with grabbing a goal or two in mind. Stevie May and Daniel Finlayson replaced Jamie Brandon and Robbie Muirhead. As the game neared the end, Livingston continued to apply pressure. However, they couldn’t pull it together to find the back of the net. After ten additional minutes, the game remained 0-1. An unfortunate end to the season as the hosts head into the playoffs. Managers’ comments to come… Lineups: Livingston: J.Prior, R.McGowan, S.Pittman(A.Shinnie), S.Kelly, R.Fraser, J.Brandon(D.Finlayson), L.Smith, R.Muirhead(S.May), M.Tait, C.Montano(T.Yengi), D.Wilson Substitutes: J.Hamilton, S.Donnellan, M.Clarke, R.McAlear, T.Yengi, S.May, D.Finlayson, M.Nottingham, A.Shinnie Manager: D.Martindale Partick Thistle: D.Mitchell, S.Kelly(S.Lawless), K.Turner, B.Graham, R.Crawford(T.Ablade), L.McBeth, D.O’Reilly, A.Fitzpatrick(Z.MacKenzie), L.Ashcroft, B.Stanway, K.Megwa Substitutes: L.Budinauckas, L.Cameron, S.Lawless, T.Ablade, Z.macKenzie, M.Falconer, N.Lockhart Manager(s): M.Wilson/B.Graham Attendance: 3,819

Away Day in Munich: Your Ultimate Guide to the 2025 Champions League Final at Allianz Arena

The 2025 Champions League Final is set to take place at Munich’s iconic Allianz Arena, home to FC Bayern Munich and a modern marvel of European football. This guide covers everything you need to know about experiencing an away day in Munich—from where to eat, drink, and stay to the cultural highlights, how to get around, and tips for making the most of this special event.   Getting to Allianz Arena The Allianz Arena sits on the northern edge of Munich, about 10 km from the city centre, and is well connected by Munich’s efficient public transport. – By U-Bahn (Metro): Take Line U6 towards *Garching-Forschungszentrum*, getting off at *Fröttmaning*. From there, it’s a 10-15 minute walk to the stadium entrance. – By Car: The Allianz Arena has its own parking spaces, but be aware that on game days, the area can get extremely crowded, so public transport is usually the better option. – By Bike: Munich is a bike-friendly city with dedicated lanes, and there’s bike parking at the stadium. This can be a fun way to arrive if the weather’s good! Where to Stay With thousands of fans flocking to Munich for the final, hotels are likely to fill up fast, so book early! Here are a few suggestions for all types of travellers: – Hotel Bayerischer Hof – This luxurious hotel in central Munich offers top-class amenities and is known for its rooftop bar with city views. Ideal for those looking to make the most of their stay. – Holiday Inn Munich – City Centre – A comfortable, mid-range option just a short metro ride from Allianz Arena and close to central attractions. – Meininger Hotel Munich City Center – A budget-friendly, hostel-style option that’s popular with travellers. It’s near Munich’s main train station, with easy access to U-Bahn and S-Bahn lines. Where to Eat Munich is known for hearty Bavarian cuisine and beer gardens, so take some time to sample the local flavours: – Hofbräuhaus – This historic beer hall is an absolute must for first-time visitors. Enjoy Bavarian dishes like Weißwurst (white sausage), pretzels, and a cold stein of Munich’s finest beer. – Augustiner-Keller – One of the oldest beer gardens in Munich, Augustiner-Keller is perfect for an outdoor meal, with classic Bavarian food and a lively atmosphere. – Viktualienmarkt – Located near Marienplatz, this famous open-air market is ideal for a quick pre-match snack. Try local treats like leberkäse (Bavarian meatloaf) and freshly made juices or pastries. Food Costs: Expect to pay around €15-€25 for a meal at traditional spots and beer gardens. Higher-end restaurants range from €40-€60 per person, depending on what you order. Where to Drink Munich is practically the world capital of beer, so whether you’re a fan of lagers, pilsners, or traditional Bavarian brews, you’re in for a treat: – Paulaner Bräuhaus – A traditional brewery offering both beer and hearty Bavarian food. A good spot for groups looking to meet fellow fans. – Giesinger Bräu – For craft beer lovers, this brewery offers a great selection beyond the usual German lagers, with a cosy atmosphere and friendly service. – Die Goldene Bar – Located in the Haus der Kunst museum, this chic bar is perfect for fans looking for a more sophisticated vibe pre- or post-match. Cost of Drinks: Beer typically ranges from €4-€6 for a half-litre. For a night out, budgeting €20-€30 should cover a couple of rounds. What to Do Before the Match Munich is packed with cultural sites and activities, so here are a few must-dos to add to your trip: – Marienplatz & Glockenspiel – The heart of Munich’s historic centre, Marienplatz is where you’ll find the famous Glockenspiel. Stop here for a photo, then explore the surrounding shops and cafes. – English Garden – If you have time, take a stroll through the English Garden, one of Europe’s largest city parks. The beer gardens here are scenic and ideal for pre-match relaxation. – Deutsches Museum – For fans of history and technology, the Deutsches Museum is a fascinating stop with exhibits covering aviation, engineering, and more. What to Expect at Allianz Arena The Allianz Arena is famed for its distinctive, colour-changing exterior, which lights up in the home team’s colours on match days. For the Champions League Final, expect a sea of blue lights and an electric atmosphere both inside and outside the stadium. – Before Kickoff: Arrive early to soak up the atmosphere. There will likely be fan zones set up near the stadium entrance with live music, merchandise stands, and food stalls. – Inside the Stadium: Allianz Arena’s design allows for superb views from all seats, so you won’t miss a moment. Bayern Munich fans are known for their passionate yet welcoming spirit, so expect plenty of chants, especially during the Champions League anthem. – Fan Etiquette: German fans are passionate but respectful. If you’re supporting a visiting team, join in the fun but be mindful not to interrupt any chants or ceremonies. Budget Tips for a One-Day or Weekend Trip Munich isn’t the cheapest city in Germany, but with a bit of planning, you can enjoy an incredible football trip on a budget. One-Day Budget (€100-€150) – Meals – €30-€40 for a traditional Bavarian lunch or dinner and some street food – Transport – €8 for an all-day Munich travel pass (valid on U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, and trams) – Stadium Ticket – €70-€150 depending on seating for the Champions League Final – Drinks – €20 for a couple of beers or a drink at a local bar Weekend Budget (€300-€400) – Accommodation – €80-€150 per night for a mid-range hotel (book early for Champions League rates) – Meals – €60-€100 for traditional dining and beer garden visits – Cultural Activities – €30-€40 for museum or attraction tickets – Transport – €20 for a weekend Munich travel pass Dos and Don’ts in Munich DO: – Take time to try local delicacies like brezen (pretzels), bratwurst, and apfelstrudel. – Respect the local culture in