Falkirk Archives - SNN Sports

Hearts 1-1 Falkirk (4-5 on pens): Parkinson the hero as Bairns progress to 5th round

Hearts 1-1 Falkirk (4-5 penalties) Parkinson (59′) Shankland (85′ pen) Ben Parkinson’s goal and winning penalty sent Falkirk to the 5th round of the Scottish Cup, dumping the league leaders out at Tynecastle. Hearts started brightly, in an otherwise bleak first half. Claudio Braga raced clear of the Falkirk backline in the opening minutes, but scuffed his left-footed striker wide of Scott Bain’s goal. Alexandros Kyziridis produced a world-class goal to break the deadlock against Falkirk in September. He attempted a similar 25-yard strike after collecting Tomas Magnusson’s cross-field ball, but Bain gathered the bobbling effort. Derek McInnes’s side enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening 25 minutes without scoring, to the delight of the large travelling support, who filled most of the Roseburn end. Chances were few and far between for the visitors in the first half. Leon McCann raced towards Alexander Schwolow’s goal on the half-hour mark after picking up a pocket of space. His left-footed strike had power, but was pushed away by the Austrian goalkeeper. The visitors had the final chance of the half when Filip Lissah headed over a Miller freekick. Neither side looked likely to find a goal as Nick Walsh blew his whistle for half-time. McGlynn opted for a triple substitution at the break, including the introduction of Sheffield United loanee Louie Marsh. McInnes kept the same eleven, but looked to have switched Kyziridis to the right flank, in an attempt to penetrate the visiting defence. Magnusson thought he had broken the deadlock in the 53rd minute. The ball broke kindly to the Norwegian following a hopeful long ball, stroking home from close range amidst a sea of Falkirk bodies. But a lengthy VAR check ensued, deeming that the midfielder had controlled the ball with his hand, keeping the scores level. The visiting support cheered the decision and didn’t have long to wait before celebrating again. Substitute Parkinson got across Jordi Altena to tap home Filip Lissah’s low cross in the 58th minute, sending the away allocation into frenzy. The goal galvanised the visitors, and Parkinson should have doubled their advantage after racing clear on goal moments later. But the striker failed to trouble Schwolow, slicing his strike into the Roseburn Stand. With 15 minutes to play, McInnes turned to the latest incomer, Islam Chesnokov, injecting pace into Hearts’ attack. In truth, Bain in the Falkirk goal had enjoyed a quiet second period. The hosts were awarded a lifeline with five minutes to play. Chesnokov made an immediate impact after being hacked in the box by Leon McCann, Shankland powered home the resultant penalty to level proceedings, and set up extra time. A tense extra time period ensued, as both teams wrestled for the winning goal. Miller tested Schwolow with a left-footed strike after finding space on the edge of the box. The low drive looked set to break the net, but the Austrian pushed clear to maintain level proceedings. Spittal went closest for Hearts in the 113th minute with a 25-yard free kick, which dipped narrowly over Bain’s crossbar. Falkirk responded with four minutes to play. McCann marauded into space on the left, his cross broke to substitute Ethan Ross, who blasted from 6 yards towards goal. Schwolow held firm to divert the powerful strike, and Stuart Findlay cleared the danger. Falkirk held their nerve in the penalty shootout, scoring all five of their penalties. Kabangu placed his left-footed strike over Bain’s bar before Parkinson delivered the killer blow. A marathon 120 minutes ended in delight for McGlynn’s determined bunch, for McInnes and Hearts, full focus will shift to their league title charge. Hearts: Schwolow 7 Kent 6 Halkett 7 McCart 6 Milne 6 Altena 6 Magnusson 6 Baningime 7 Kyziridis 6 Braga 5 Shankland 6 Substitutes: Spittal 5 Findlay 5 Kabore 5 Chesnokov 5 Kabangu 3 Forrester 3 Falkirk: Bain 7 McCann 6 Henderson 7 Allan 7 Lissah 7 Cartwright 6 Spencer 7 Yeats 6 Tait 7 Miller 7 Stewart 6 Substitutes: Marsh 5 Wilson 5 Parkinson 6 Adams 4 Ross 3 Graham 2

January 17, 2026

“I Can’t Remember Our Goalkeeper Being So Quiet Against Celtic” – John McGlynn

Falkirk boss John McGlynn shared disappointment over his side being unable to take anything from their 1-0 defeat at home to Celtic. It is only the third time the Bairns have lost at The Falkirk Stadium this season, with their home form being a significant factor as to why Falkirk find themselves in the top six. However, manager McGlynn was dismayed that his side lost tonight, despite having enough chances to get at least a point if not all three. He said: “Never mind being a Falkirk fan, I think any neutral individual is going to say Falkirk deserved to take something from that game. “I thought we were the better team in the first half, and created some really good opportunities and gutted to come in at half-time a goal down. “Very proud of our performance, I think it was an outstanding performance. I’ve played against Celtic many times, I can’t remember our goalkeeper being so quiet. Scott Bain’s not had an awful lot to do and that’s unusual.” Striker Barney Stewart was recalled from Dunfermline in late December after scoring 7 goals in 11 Championship appearances, but was denied twice tonight by Kasper Schmeichel in two one on one scenarios tonight. McGlynn retains faith that the goals will come for the 21-year-old. “Barney, thirteen months ago, is playing for Heriot-Watt University. He’s playing out there against Celtic, who are champions. What is he going to be like in three, four, five, six months from now having had that experience of going out there and creating the opportunities that he did? “Yeah, he didn’t take them, but keep getting in there, keep getting in they positions. It’ll start hitting the back of the net and then we’ve got a player there.” It is the third meeting between Falkirk and Celtic this season, with Celtic also winning the other two 4-1 and 4-0 both at Celtic Park. McGlynn hopes his side can take confidence into their next meeting there, which takes place in just over two weeks on February 1st. “I’m not naive. It’s different playing Celtic with 50/60,000, lovely beautiful pitch, everyone behind them. So your best chance is when you’re at home. “We go to Celtic Park on the 1st of February, so we can test the water there and how far we have come when we go back there and see if we can do something similar to that. “That would be a little bit of a guide for us. We’re not that far away from being a decent, right good side.” Falkirk travel to the capital city to face McGlynn’s former club Hearts at Tynecastle in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup this Saturday.

January 15, 2026

Falkirk 0-1 Celtic: Bairns Rue Missed Chances as Celts Escape With Win

Celtic made it back to back wins under the returning Martin O’Neill with a narrow 1-0 win away to Falkirk, becoming only the third away side to return home from The Falkirk Stadium with all three points this season. The result means the Glasgow side leapfrog their neighbours Rangers into second place on goal difference, but remain six points behind Hearts who defeated St. Mirren in tonight’s other fixture. The only goal of the game came on the stroke of half-time, with Celtic’s top goalscorer Benjamin Nygren scoring what would be the winner a minute before the whistle as he nodded an Arne Engels corner home. The home side had it much their own way in the first half, with Barney Stewart sending an early warning signal to the Celtic backline when he got in behind and fired straight at former Falkirk loanee Kasper Schmeichel seven minutes in. John McGlynn’s men maintained the pressure and came even closer fifteen minutes later, when a curled Calvin Miller set-piece from the left wing seemed to stop dead inside the Celtic six-yard box, eventually being cleared by left-back Kieran Tierney. And the biggest chance of the half would come just two minutes after. Kyrell Wilson done extremely well to beat Tierney to a ball over the top and drove in from the right, rounding Schmeichel with a smart side step, before losing balance and firing his shot high and wide. It remained one way traffic at the Falkirk Stadium and just before the half hour mark the hosts came close again. A slack pass from Daizen Maeda to his defence was pounced upon by striker Barney Stewart, who once again seen his effort swallowed by Schmeichel as the Hoops survived yet another scare. Seemingly against the run of play and with a mere minute before the half time whistle was blown, an Arne Engels in-swinging corner met the head of Benjamin Nygren. The Swede found the bottom corner and netted his tenth goal in the league this season, to give his side a perhaps undeserving lead at the break. A real collector’s item at half-time as the referee team made the only change. John Beatton swapped with his fourth official Sean Murdoch due to injury as he officiated his first game, or half if you will, of Premiership action. Celtic had the ball in the net again nine minutes into the second period courtesy of Daizen Maeda, but the Japanese forward was clearly offside and the scoreline remained 1-0. The defending champion’s first real sight on goal after the disallowed effort came around ten minutes from time. Reo Hatate was played in the box with space, and his low cross was met by Johnny Kenny. The Irishman’s attempt was blocked and bounced back off of him for a goal kick. Falkirk immediately went up the other end and produced a chance arguably bigger than any of those created in the first half. Liam Scales failed to clear a bouncing ball which landed at sub Ethan Williams’, but his strike was met by the extended leg of Kasper Schmeichel to deny his former side. The Bairns remain in the top six, five points clear of seventh placed Dundee United but will come away from this feeling aggrieved they haven’t taken anything out of the match. They travel to the capital on Saturday evening, to face Hearts in Scottish Cup action. As for Celtic, it is another win for Martin O’Neill who has won nine of hasten matches in charge over two spells as interim manager. The display did not complement the result and the Northern Irishman will no doubt be eager for reinforcements. Celtic travel to Rugby Park on Sunday to face non-league Auchinleck Talbot in the cup. FALKIRK: Bain 6, McCann 5, Henderson 6, Spencer 5, Yeats 4 (Parkinson 63’ 2), Stewart 2 (Marsh 63’ 3), Allan 6, Tait 5 (Cartwright 74’ 1), Wilson 5 (Ross 78’ 1), Lissah 7, Miller 7 (Williams 78’ 1) CELTIC: Schmeichel 7, Scales 5, Trusty 5, Nygren 7, Yang 5 (McCowan 66’ 3), Araujo 5, Tounekti 4 (Hatate 66’ 2), Engels 5 (Kenny 79’ 1), Maeda 5, McGregor 6, Tierney 6

January 14, 2026

St Mirren 0-2 Falkirk: Impressive Bairns secure all three points in Paisley

St Mirren 0-2 Falkirk Yeats 55’, Miller 61’ Falkirk earned a second successive victory in a comfortable performance over struggling St Mirren at the SMISA Stadium. The home side made two changes to the team that lost to Motherwell last week, as Liam Donnelly and Fraser Taylor replaced the suspended Alex Gogic and Jayden Richardson. Falkirk made one change to the side that beat Aberdeen last Saturday as Henry Cartwright replaced Kyrell Wilson. Despite chances for both sides in the opening period of the game, neither possessed the cutting edge to take advantage, as Dylan Tait’s deflected effort clipped the Saints’ crossbar to give Falkirk the best chance of the half. Liam Donnelly’s place in the starting eleven was cut short as he was substituted for Richardson after only 28 minutes due to a suspected shoulder injury. St Mirren faced more injury concerns as Killian Philips and Declan John were also unable to. They continued and were replaced by Scott Tanser at halftime and new signing Allan Campbell. The Bairns broke the deadlock only 10 minutes into the second half as Finn Yeats’ stunning 35-yard finish looped over the onrushing Shamal George into the St Mirren net as the Falkirk away support celebrated behind the goal. This was Yeats’ first goal of the season. They did not have to wait long for the second goal as only six minutes later, Calvin Miller picked up the ball from the edge of the box and slammed a powerful right-footed shot past George to give Falkirk a two-goal advantage only 16 minutes into the second half. This was Miller’s sixth goal in what has been an impressive season for the 28-year-old. The hosts struggled to gain any control in the last half hour of the match as Falkirk expertly saw the game out for a comfortable 2-0 victory. Following this result, St Mirren are without a win in their last four games and remain in tenth place, only four points above Kilmarnock in the relegation playoff spot. They next face a difficult trip to the capital as they face league leaders Hearts on a Wednesday night kick-off. Falkirk secured back-to-back wins for only the second time this season as they sit in the crucial sixth-placed spot in the league table, five points above Dundee United in seventh. They host Celtic on Wednesday, 7:45 kick-off, as the visitors look to restart their title charge in Martin O’Neill’s second interim spell in charge. St Mirren: George (4), Fraser (5), King (4), Freckleton (5), McMenamin (4), Philips (6), Donnelly (5), Taylor (4), John (4), N’Lundulu (4), Mandron (5) Subs: Richardson (5), Campbell (5), Tanser (4), Mullen (5), Dijksteel (5) Falkirk: Bain (8), Lissah (8), Allan (8), Henderson (8), McCann (8), Spencer (8), Cartwright (7), Tait (7), Yeats (9), Miller (9), Stewart (7) Subs: Williams (6), Ross (6), Parkinson (6), Wilson (6), Donaldson (N/A)

January 11, 2026

Falkirk 1-0 Aberdeen: Dominant Bairns Shoot into Top Six

Falkirk 1-0 Aberdeen Lissah (58′) Filip Lissah’s second-half header secured a deserved home victory for the Bairns against a passive Aberdeen side, who were unable to register a shot on target. The home side dominated large spells of the first half. Liam Henderson pounced on a Jack Milne pass just minutes in, and after feeding Calvin Millar on the left, he headed the resultant cross into Dimitar Mitov’s hands. The move set the tone for a one-sided first half, with Aberdeen looking increasingly fragile at the back. The visitors nearly registered an opening shortly after. Kenan Bilalovic, awarded with his first start, latched onto Jesper Karlsson’s forward pass, but his low delivery evaded Kevin Nisbet in the six-yard box. Henderson won a promising free kick for the Bairns after 9 minutes. Miller stepped up, whipping a dangerous left-footed strike, which looked set to finish in the bottom corner, but Mitov turned behind. Brad Spencer tested Mitov from the edge of the box after 12 minutes, as the home side continued their search for the opener. Falkirk’s dominance was largely down to the midfield pivot of Spencer and Dylan Tait, who had equal space and time to control proceedings from the centre of the park. The visiting support filled out the away section, and the sea of red voiced their disapproval of this passive performance. Spencer pounced on another slack ball from the visitors on the 20-minute mark, but Barney Stewart pushed his curling effort over the bar. Next, it was Miller’s turn to drive at the heart of the Dons’ defence three minutes later. He found Kyrell Wilson on the left edge of the box, who cut inside and struck from the edge of the box. Mitov momentarily tipped the effort into the air, but gathered the ball to keep the score goalless. Falkirk should have been ahead close to halftime. Another dangerous Spencer corner was dropped kindly for Miller in the box. From ten yards, the midfielder could not get his head over the ball as his strike sailed into the stands. The final chance of the half dropped to the visitors, Nisbet’s wayward strike drifted high into the Kevin McAllister Stand after a long Mitov ball. The Dons remained level as John Beaton blew his whistle for halftime, but would need vast improvements if they were to pick up a result. The Bairns finally found the breakthrough on the hour mark. Filip Lissah rose in the six-yard box to head home a left-sided set piece. The goal warranted the hosts’ positive display, delighting their large contingent of supporters. Nisbet nearly connected with Topi Keskinen’s low cross from the right moments later, after sensational skill from substitute Sivert Nilsen. The duo linked again in the 68th minute, with the striker’s header looking destined to nestle inside Scott Bain’s post. Thankfully for the hosts, the effort bounced off the post and trickled wide, maintaining their slender advantage. The hosts wrestled back control of the game and nearly sealed the game with mere minutes to play. Substitute Henry Cartwright drove at the Aberdeen defence, unleashing a low 25-yard strike which cannoned off the post and behind. Victory moves Falkirk into the top six, marking a perfect start to their 2026 campaign. They travel to Paisley to face a struggling St Mirren side next weekend. Jimmy Thelin and his Aberdeen side berated their side’s poor performance at full-time. A quick turnaround sees them travel to Ibrox on Tuesday evening, ahead of a double header with Rangers. Falkirk: Bain 8 Lissah 8 Allan 7 Henderson 9 McCann 8 Tait 8 Spencer 8 Yeats 8 Wilson 7 Miller 8 Stewart 7 Substitutes: Ross 7 Graham 6 Williams 6 Agyeman 6 Cartwright 6 Aberdeen: Mitov 6 Lobban 5 Knoester 6 Milne 6 Shinnie 4 Aouchiche 3 Armstrong 5 Bilalovic 4 Karlsson 5 Keskinen 5 Nisbet 5 Substitutes: Nilson 5 Polvara 5 Devlin 4 Milanovic 4 Lazetic 4

January 3, 2026

Scott Arfield could be set for the exit door as the Falkirk hero searches for game time

Falkirk midfielder, Scott Arfield may be on the verge of departing his boyhood club as the Falkirk man is in demand of extra playing time Arfield joined the Bairns back in February, helping guide his side back to the Premiership for the first time in 15 years. Scott was certainly a key player in the Championship last season, making 13 appearances where he netting on nine occasions which they went on to clinch the title following a 3-1 victory in a dramatic last game of the season against at the time, already relegated Hamilton which forced Livingston into a play-offs spot. The ex-Burnley man has only started four times in the top flight in the opening 19 games for John McGlynn’s side as the Falkirk star searches for more game time with a move becoming a real possibility. Arfield began his career in 2008 at Falkirk where he became a big player, being a regular starter before making a move down south to Huddersfield in 2010 after the Bairns were demoted to the Championship with a goalless draw with Kilmarnock sealing their fate. The midfielder spent three years with Huddersfield where he then went on to join Burnley. The ex-Huddersfield man has a short trial with the Lancashire side, impressing in a 3-0 victory over Cork City. Scott scored 9 goals within 49 appearances where he soon went on to secure promotion to the English Premier League in 2014. The Falkirk born man scored on his Premier League debut in a fascinating clash with Chelsea. Four years on, Arfield made his return to Scotland, joining Rangers. Arfield made his European debut in 2018 against FK Shkupi before making his league debut against Aberdeen. During his five-year stint in Govan, Arfield made over 200 appearances for the Ibrox outfit, netting 43 goals along the way. Scott Arfield then went to have a short spell in the USA with Charlotte before having one year at Bolton before making his return to Falkirk where Arfield was eager to make up for their relegation 15-years-ago in which they were successful, gaining promotion back to the top flight.

December 29, 2025

Dundee 1-0 Falkirk: First Win in Five For The Dee

Dundee survived a late red card scare to secure all three points in a 1-0 win over Falkirk at Dens Park. The home side made two changes to the squad that lost 1-0 to Motherwell last weekend as Ryan Astley and Ethan Hamilton made their way into the starting eleven. The visitors made three changes to the side that won at Rugby Park last week as Keelan Adams, Finn Yeats and Ethan Williams came into the eleven. There was little in the way of action in the early proceedings of the game as Brad Spencer’s early red card for a challenge on Ashley Hay was downgraded to a yellow by referee Duncan Nicolson following a VAR review. As the half was coming to an end, Falkirk midfielder Finn Yates was penalised for handball in his attempt to block the shot and Dundee were awarded the penalty. Yan Dhanda converted his penalty, sending Bairns and former Dundee ‘keeper Scott Bain the wrong way, and gave the home side the lead in a tight affair just on the brink of halftime. This was Dhanda’s second goal for the club since joining on loan from Hearts in the summer. Falkirk started the second half with more urgency and aggression, but seldom troubled Jon McCracken in the Dundee net. Just after the hour mark, Dundee manager Steven Pressley looked to maintain his side’s one goal advantage as Simon Murray and Imari Samuels were brought onto the pitch, meanwhile Falkirk manager John McGlynn pushed for an equaliser as Alfie Agyeman, Ethan Ross and Dylan Tait came off the bench. Almost 15 minutes later Bain was called into action when Drey Wright’s low left footed shot from outside the box was comfortably handled by the former Dundee keeper. A tense Dens Park crowd suffered more stress as substitute Simon Murray was shown a straight red card for his challenge on Ethan Ross, this time with the decision being upheld. With eight minutes of stoppage time, Falkirk continued their pressure as Filip Lissah’s powerful shot was saved by McCracken. The hosts would hang on the secure all three points with Falkirk ending their 2025 in defeat. Following this result, Dundee are in tenth place sitting three points above Kilmarnock in the relegation playoff spot. The two sides face each other back at Dens Park in a Tuesday night kick-off in what is sure to be a relegation dogfight. Falkirk are in eighth place, as they seek a top six finish after their promotion into the Premiership last season. They next face a home tie against Aberdeen with a chance to be right on the Dons heels should they see victory next weekend. Dundee: McCracken (7), Wright (7), Graham (8), Koumetio (7), Astley (7), Congreve (6), Hamilton (7), Jones (6), Yogane (6), Dhanda (7), Hay (7)Subs: Samuels (6), Digby (5), Murray (1), Acquah (5) Falkirk: Bain (7), Adams (6), Allan (6), Henderson (6), Lissah (6), Spencer (5), Yeats (4), Wilson (5), Miller (6), Williams (6), Graham (5)Subs: Ross (6), Tait (6), Agyeman (6), Samuel-Ogunsuyi (5), Nesbitt (5)

December 27, 2025

Falkirk 0-2 Heart of Midlothian – Match Report

Falkirk hosted Hearts this evening in the Scottish Premiership, with the Bairns aiming to test themselves against a Hearts side enjoying an impressive run of form this season. The hosts faced the Jambos earlier this season at Tynecastle the game ended 3-0 with goals from Kyziridis, Shankland and Craig Halkett. Falkirk have picked up 21 points in their last 16 games with a series of unbeaten home league matches; it is their best top flight home run in nearly two decades. McInnes’ side came into this game off the back of a 2-1 win away to Celtic last weekend which pushed them 3 points clear of the reigning champions. Claudio Braga is now one of the league’s top goal scorers with the majority of his goals coming from away matches including one in that game. The visitors got the game under way and after just 68 seconds they had the lead. A shot across from Shankland which was saved by Scott Bain but not far enough as Braga comes running in to head the ball into the back of the net. The home side had a good opportunity 13 minutes in when Kyrell Wilson charged towards Schwolow in goal but Stuart Findlay slid in to clear it for a throw-in. The Jam Tarts had another few opportunities within the first half, Shankland got the ball after a pass from Braga but couldn’t get the curl he needed and the shot went wide. Harry Milne had to work hard in defence as Wilson closed in on goal, he was past Schwolow but Milne cleared the ball off the line to deny the biggest opportunity Falkirk had within the first half. Into the second half both sides continued the pressure as Falkirk had an opportunity after McEntee gave away a free kick on the edge of the box. It was Calvin Miller to take it but it was deflected off of Agyeman. Substitute Stephen Kingsley brought the fight back for the Edinburgh side and within 3 minutes of being on the park, he had the ball in the back of the net. A shot taken from outside of the box fired past Scott Bain who was at full stretch and the Jambos extended their lead to 2-0. A final chance for McGlynn’s side Scott Arfield played the ball through trying to find Brian Graham but just too much pace on it as it went out for a goal kick. This is only the second time John McGlynn’s side have been beaten at home this season with the previous loss coming against St Mirren. The game ended 2-0 for the visitors who have extended their gap in front of Celtic in the league to 6 points. Falkirk: Bain (5), Lissah (5), Allan (4), Henderson (5), Hart (4), Spencer (6), Cartwright (5), Wilson (6), Millar (5), Ross (4), Agyeman (5). Subs :Tait (3), Graham (2), Williams (3), Arfield (3), Edwards (2). Heart of Midlothian: Schwolow (7), Milne (8), Findlay (7), Halkett (7), Steinwender (8), Devlin (8), McEntee (8), Braga (9), Magnusson (7), Kyziridis (8), Shankland (7). Subs: Kingsley (7), Spittal (5), Kabangu (4), Kerjota (5), McCart (2).

December 13, 2025

Hibernian 3-0 Falkirk: Bowie brace helps Hibs return to winning ways

Hibernian 3-0 Falkirk Boyle (36′ pen) Bowie (41′, 80′) Hibs returned to winning ways on Saturday afternoon as they dismantled Falkirk 3-0 at Easter Road. A spot kick converted by Martin Boyle and a double from Kieron Bowie ensured that David Gray’s men bounced back from the disappointment of last weekend’s defeat to Celtic and secured an important three points. The hosts started the game on the front foot and carved out the first chance of the game within five minutes. Jack Iredale burst his way past a few Falkirk defenders whilst driving into the box before forcing Scott Bain into making a save at the near post, who stuck a foot out for a Hibs corner. Hibs threatened again as Chris Cadden’s fired an effort from eight yards over the bar, following some good play by Martin Boyle and Dan Barlaser on the right-hand side. It was all Hibs in the early stages, and they were inches away from netting the opener shortly before the 20th minute as Chris Cadden was involved as he played an inviting ball across the face of the goal with Falkirk defender Liam Henderson making a vital clearance to prevent Hibs from taking the lead. A first opportunity of the match for Falkirk fell on the 20th minute with Hibs keeper Raphael Sallinger doing well to get a hand to Brad Spencer’s effort from outside the box, Man United Loanee Ethan Williams hoped to net from the follow through, but he could only find the side netting from an incredibly tough angle. Falkirk had struggled to deal with Hibs’ attacking threat so far, with Josh Mulligan in particular proving to be a nuisance for Falkirk to deal with. Hibs were awarded a penalty kick on the 35th minute, Martin Boyle was clipped by Philip Lissah on his way through to goal after being played through by Josh Mulligan, Lissah was shown a yellow card in the aftermath. Boyle stepped up from twelve yards out and made absolutely no mistake from the penalty spot as he sent Scott Bain the wrong way, Hibs’ pressure eventually paying off. A Falkirk free kick was then whipped into the box, which was met by Brian Graham who attempted an ambitious backheel flick as Raphael Sallinger had to be at full stretch to deny the striker. Hibs doubled their advantage on the 40th minute as Kieron Bowie took a touch on the edge of the area before curling a stunning strike into the top corner beyond Scott Bain, giving his side a convincing two goal cushion going into the interval. With the second half underway, Falkirk made a double substitution for Falkirk, with Alfie Agyeman and Henry Cartwright coming on to replace Brian Graham and Dylan Tait. At the start of the half, VAR was involved as a check was ongoing, Falkirk felt as though they should’ve had a penalty for a potential handball from Jack Iredale, however replays showed it came off his forearm. The visitors began to show signs of improvement, Falkirk attacker Ethan Ross was lively down the left-hand side, as he cut inside before being denied brilliantly by Raphael Sallinger who tipped over the bar. Falkirk looked as if they had got one back, when Ethan Ross had the ball in the back off the Hibs net on the 65th minute after calmly slotting the ball past Sallinger, a VAR check would then penalise Ross for being offside and the goal was overturned. An improved second half display from Falkirk would see Hibs limited to very few chances in front of goal, with the Bairns enjoying the better of possession. With ten minutes remaining, Hibs had a third. Keiron Bowie netted his second goal of the afternoon and secured all three points for David Gray’s men. It was an instant impact from Josh Campbell as he flew down the right-hand side before fizzing the ball across goal for Bowie, who finished well from close range to cap off an impressive performance from the Hibees. Next up, Hibs travel to Ibrox to face Rangers on Monday 15 December, whilst Falkirk host Hearts at the Falkirk stadium next Saturday. Hibs: Sallinger,C Cadden, O’Hora, Bushiri, Iredale, Mulligan, Chaiwa, McGrath, Barlaser, Bowie, Boyle. Substitutes: Smith, Hanley, Levitt,88’ Youan,76’ Newell 76’, Hoilett, Mitchell, Megwa,86’ Campbell 76’ Falkirk: Bain, Lissah, Allan, Henderson, McCann, Spencer, Tait, Ross, Williams, Miller, Graham. Substitutes: Hogarth, Hart 76’, Yeats, Agyeman 45’, Edwards, Samuel-Ogunsuyi, Arfield 76’, Wilson 76’, Cartwright,45’

December 6, 2025

Dundee Utd 0-3 Falkirk: Bairns Terrific at Tannadice to Stay in Top 6

Dundee United 0-3 Falkirk Miller (3’) Kucherenko OG (22’) Graham (63’) In the return from the international break, Dundee Utd hosted Falkirk at The CalForth Construction Arena with only 2 points separating the sides. It was the away side who started with no time to waste, following a fast counter where the ball fell to Calvin Miller, whose shot was parried by Yevhenii Kucherenko in the Utd net; however Miller was able to tap in the rebound to give Falkirk the lead after only 3 minutes played. Falkirk would continue to dominate, and 20 minutes later their second goal would come. Calvin Miller’s in swinging corner was dealt with horribly by the home side as Kucherenko punched the goal into his own net to double The Bairns lead. Dundee Utd would start to show signs of life as Krisztian Kereztes’ effort would fall into the hands of former Dundee keeper Scott Bain, and Amar Fateh’s header would rattle off of the crossbar to give the Dundee side their best chance of the half thus far. Referee Nick Walsh would blow for the halftime whistle as jeers rung around Tannadice giving manager Jim Goodwin much to think about as he prepared his side for a second half comeback. Into the second half Kristijan Trapanovski and Ryan Strain would enter proceedings as former Dundee Utd striker Brian Graham was issued a yellow card for his offence on Keresztes, Walsh was called over to the VAR monitor but decided against brandishing the red card. An hour into the game and Falkirk would once again gain control of the match, as good passing play from back-to-front led to an excellent pass from Calvin Miller to find Graham on the edge of the box, who cleverly rounded Kucherenko and passed the ball into the back of the net for Falkirk’s third goal of the match. This was Graham’s fourth goal of the season in all competitions since joining Falkirk in the summer. Former United captain Ryan Edwards was subbed on for Falkirk to make his debut at his old stomping ground. Falkirk would expertly see out the final 15 minutes of play to secure an important 3 points and rebound from their disappointing draw to Livingston before the break. This win keeps Falkirk in fifth place, 1 point above Motherwell and only 2 points behind Hibernian and Rangers are above them. They next face a trip to Ibrox next Sunday with the opportunity to move above an inconsistent Rangers with victory. After an abject display, Dundee United find themselves out of the top 6 in seventh place, 4 points adrift of Motherwell and 3 points ahead of eighth-placed Aberdeen. They prepare for a trip to Rugby Park as they play Kilmarnock next Saturday evening. Dundee United: Kucherenko; Iovu, Esselink, Keresztes; Stephenson, Sevelj, Sibbald, Ferry; Dolcek, Sapsford, Amar Fatah. Subs: Strain, Trapanovski, Möller, Watters Falkirk: Bain; Adams, Henderson, Allan, Lissah; Tait, Spencer; Wilson, Williams, Miller; Graham. Subs: Cartwright, Edwards, Agyeman, Ross, Oliver Attendance: 9,736

November 22, 2025

Falkirk