Falkirk manager John McGlynn praised his side’s focus and momentum after a dominant 4–0 win over The Spartans secured progression to the last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup.

Goals from Dylan Tait, Scott Arfield, and a Calvin Miller double rounded off an impressive group stage campaign at The Falkirk Stadium, with the Bairns finishing unbeaten on eleven points.

Despite missing out on a seeded place McGlynn insisted the bigger picture far outweighs any short-term disappointment.

For the Falkirk boss, next Sunday’s Premiership opener against Dundee United represents more than just a fixture, it marks the end of a long road back to the top flight after 15 years away.

He said: “Next Sunday, at 2 o’clock, we’re live on Sky, everybody is buzzing here, everybody is so excited.

“It is the first time for a generation of fans that they’re going to see their team playing in the Premiership.”

The sense of anticipation has been building for weeks, ever since the Bairns secured their second consecutive promotion to return to the Premiership.

McGlynn’s men looked sharp and clinical, with quick, one touch passes, and the ability to drive up the park quickly either from the flanks, or through the centre.

While Falkirk’s cup form has been almost flawless, apart from a 0-0 draw away to Cove, where they picked up a bonus point during the shootout, McGlynn admitted it’s now all about what lies ahead:

“We’ve come back, and we’ve played a lot of pre-season friendlies, and we’re fed up with them.

“With the greatest respect, we’ve got a bit fed up with this because we’re going to go to another level now.

“It’s the excitement and the enthusiasm that will be out here next Sunday. The winning momentum is there.

“We wanted to continue the momentum today, which we have done.”

Falkirk may have been edged out of a seeded spot by the likes of Hearts, St Johnstone, and Partick Thistle, all of whom took maximum points, but they head into the new league campaign unbeaten, confident, and with belief surging through the stands.

For the Falkirk faithful, many of whom have never seen their club in the top tier, Sunday’s clash against Dundee United will be more than just a curtain-raiser, it’s a whole new ball game for a generation of supporters.