Falkirk 1-3 Hibernian: Hibees tighten their grip on fifth place with an efficient first half display.
Hibees widen the gap between them and Falkirk to five points with an impressive first-half outing. With a potential European spot up for grabs today, David Gray’s Hibees bounced back after losing three on the bounce with a 3-1 victory over Falkirk, who were looking to leapfrog Hibs today. That was not meant to be for John McGlynn’s men, as their hopes of finishing fifth are all but over. Josh Campbell opened the scoring for the Hibees in just the third minute of play as he rose highest to Jordan Obita’s corner. Campbell’s header gave Hogarth in the net no chance. The Bairns reacted well after conceding, creating a few half-chances. Lisah notably delivered an enticing ball across the face of the box, but the outstretched leg of Barney Stewart just missed the vital touch. Against the run of play, Hibs doubled their lead, Captain Martin Boyle with some excellent wing play, skinning his defender and whipping a wonderful ball into the box, once again Josh Campbell got on the end of it, heading the ball in to give Hibs a 2-0 lead, and securing a brace for himself. On the stroke of half-time, Jordan Obita made it 3-0 to the away side. Just moments before, Obita beautifully struck the ball on the half volley, forcing Hogarth to pull off a good save. However, on this occasion, his effort from the edge of the box rifled into the back of the net. Hibs went into the half with a commanding 3-0 lead. The hosts started the second half of play on the front foot, and an early corner gave the fans some hope, but it ultimately led to nothing. Moments later, Finn Yeats whipped a lovely ball into the box, but it was just inches too high for the league’s leading assists man, Calvin Miller. Hibs captain Martin Boyle nearly made it four goals to nothing midway through the second half, once again cleverly beating his man and getting his shot off, which Nicky Hogarth saved well; the resulting corner amounted to nothing, but the visitors were in control of the game. Aston Villa loanee Ben Broggio pulled one back for the hosts. A fine effort from just outside the box gave the hosts hope of a potential comeback as they continued to put pressure on Hibs with just twenty minutes of play left. Unfortunately, it was too little too late for the Bairns. Falkirk had some half-chances in the dying embers of the game, most notably Calvin Miller’s header, which was just inches wide of the post. Hibs would comfortably see the game out to be 3-1 victors. For the visitors, three points for David Gray all but secures fifth place for his side, which may become a European spot if Celtic defeat Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final. Hibs are now just three points behind Motherwell, who host league leaders Hearts later on tonight in what should be a thriller. With an away trip to Ibrox midweek, Hibs will then host Motherwell on the final day of the season, which may well decide fourth spot. As for Falkirk and John McGlynn, the loss today massively dampens their hopes of finishing fifth. A top-six finish is a very impressive finish for a newly promoted side, but no doubt manager John McGlynn will be disappointed with today’s performance. The Bairns still have a slim chance of finishing fifth; they travel to Tynecastle to face Hearts on Wednesday night, and then will host Rangers on the final day. Falkirk: N.Hogarth 5, L.McCann 5 (L. Henderson 37’ 5), C.Allan 5, L.Neilson 5, F.Lissah 6 (E.Ross 70’ 6), D.Tait 6 (H.Cartwright 70’ 5), B.Spencer 7, C.Miller 6, F. Yeats 6 (B.Broggio 59’ 7), K.Wilson 6 (B.Parkinson 59’ 6), B. Stewart 6 Hibernian: R.Sallinger 6, J.Iredale 7, G.Hanley 7, W.O’Hora 7, J.Obita 8, D.Barlaser 7, M.Chaiwa 7 (K. Andrews 75’ 6), F.Passlack 8, J.Campbell 9 (J. Newell 64’ 6), O.Elding 6, M. Boyle 7 (A.Suto 75’ 6)
Halkett thankful for footballing return after “tough couple years”
Craig Halkett admits he has found it easy to switch off amidst a hectic Scottish Premiership title race, as Hearts target a third straight split win against Motherwell. Speaking with the media before the Fir Park visit, Halkett singled out his family life as the key to helping him shut off from footballing pressures. “I’m actually expecting a baby in four or five weeks’ time so that’s been a good distraction for me.” “I’ve got my girlfriend and two dogs back at home so as soon as I go home, it’s quite easy to switch off. “I think it’s important that you’ve still got it in the back of your mind and you’re not just going home and doing what you want. Obviously, with life as a footballer, you’re 100% all-in on your work. “You don’t switch off completely, but to go home with a great family, it’s quite easy for me to switch off. “Obviously, football is going really well at the moment and life at home is going really well, so it could be a special summer.” Halkett has enjoyed one of his best seasons in maroon, featuring on 34 occasions with 6 goals. Alongside centre back partner Stuart Findlay, Hearts have boosted the best defensive record in the Premiership. The defender acknowledged that his side has engineered itself into a remarkable position, but refuses to look any further than Motherwell, who will pose another test. “From my personal point of view, the pressure is still the same as it’s been all season,” “It’s hard to ignore the position we’re in, but everyone’s got their feet on the ground. Everyone knows how difficult it’s going to be and how far away it can still be, so the full focus is just on Saturday. “I think we’re all just buzzing. The confidence is really high in the changing room. “We don’t have any past experiences, good or bad, of being in this position, so everything’s new and we’re all just going with it. We’re all in good spirits.” Halkett’s strong individual form may warrant a Scotland call-up, but even with the World Cup on the horizon, Craig insists his full focus is on Hearts. “It’s not something that’s at the front of my mind, if I’m being honest.” “My full focus this season has been on Hearts and myself, and playing as many games as I could. “If that put me in a position to be called up, then great. If it didn’t, I wasn’t going to be too disappointed about it. It’s been a tough couple of years for me so coming back and playing as many games for Hearts as I could was my main focus. Thankfully, I’m doing that.” Motherwell v Heart of Midlothian Saturday 9th May 8pm
