Falkirk Archives - Page 2 of 5

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 3 – 1 Kilmarnock: Furious First Half Performance Seals Home Win for The Bairns

Falkirk 3-1 Kilmarnock Williams (7′) MacIver (22′) Millar (38′) John-Jules (69′) Falkirk enjoyed a comfortable win over Kilmarnock to move back into the top six, thanks to a brilliant first-half attacking performance. The Bairns started quickly, eager to add their second home victory of the season. Calvin Millar dispossessed the Kilmarnock defence on the edge of the box, but Tobi Oluwayemi easily gathered his left-footed strike. Falkirk opened the scoring in the 7th minute, Millar’s delicate pass was gathered by Ethan Williams, who rounded Oluwayemi to slot home. The offside flag was quickly raised, but VAR overturned the decision to the delight of the home faithful. Falkirk had space to attack at will in the first half. Williams and Kyrell Wilson linked on the left edge of the box, with the latter going down in the box, which David Dickinson quickly waved off. The home side continued to contain their opposition, and Ross MacIver doubled their advantage in the 22nd minute. The striker was quickest to react to Wilson’s parried shot, and he sidefooted the rebound past the stranded Oluwayemi. Kilmarnock have lost three of their last four league encounters, and were booed by their visiting support following the second goal. Falkirk’s energetic nature continually unsettled Stuart Kettlewell’s men in a dominant first half. Goalscorer MacIver hobbled off on the half-hour mark, but Falkirk continued to carry a threat. Keelan Adams marauded down the right with a signature run, skinning Dom Thompson, but blazing over. Wilson dragged a left-footed shot wide in the 35th minute as Falkirk searched for a third. That goal arrived shortly after, thanks to Millar. The winger collected Williams’ pass and drilled a low strike through Oluwayemi’s legs. The goal signalled the end for some Killie fans, who opted for an early exit. Unsurprisingly, Kettlewell opted for a triple change at the start of the second half. Marcus Dackers, Tyreece John-Jules, and Tom Lowery were added in an attempt to reduce the home side’s advantage. The visitors thought they had scored after Robbie Deas headed home from a corner, but play was brought back as Deas collided with Scott Bain in the build-up. Bain pushed John-Jules’ low strike past the post in the 52nd minute as their positive response continued. Thompson marauded down Kilmarnock’s left in the 58th minute; his powerful shot was gathered by Bain again. Falkirk’s attacking players had stolen the first-half headlines, but their goalkeeper was proving his worth to maintain their clean sheet. Kilmarnock’s frustrating afternoon continued in the 66th minute, when Bruce Anderson was unable to evade the offside trap after slotting home. But they did open their account moments later. John-Jules, who had looked lively off the bench, swivelled in the box and blasted home to reduce Falkirk’s advantage. Falkirk saw out the game, which pushes them into the top 6; they welcome Livingston next weekend. Kettlewell’s side showed fight in the second period, but must improve for their trip to Celtic Park next Sunday. Falkirk: Bain 8 Adams 8 Henderson 8 Spencer 8 MacIver 7 Cartwright 7 Allan 8 Wilson 8 Lissah 8 Williams 9 Miller 8 Substitutes: Graham 7 Agyeman 7 Ross 6 Arfield 6 Tait 6 Kilmarnock: Oluwayemi 6 Brannan 5 Stanger 5 Deas 5 Thompson 6 McKenzie 6 Watson 6 Lyons 5 Tiffony 5 Anderson 5 Dackers 4 Substitutes: Brown 5 Lowery 5 John-Jules 6 Kiltie 5

November 1, 2025

Celtic Freeze Falkirk on Martin O’Neill’s Return

Celtic got back to winning ways with a 4-0 win over Falkirk as Martin O’Neill returned to the Parkhead side’s dugout for the first time since 2005. A first half Johnny Kenny double followed by goals from summer signings Benjamin Nygren and Sebastian Tounekti helped the defending champions cut the the gap on Hearts to six points, after the league leaders drew 2-2 away to St. Mirren. It was only the second time Martin O’Neill had came up against Falkirk in his career, with the other encounter in 2004 seeing Celtic score double the number scored tonight, in an 8-1 cup victory. There was fan protests outside Celtic Park’s main stand prior the match versus the club’s board, but once on-field matters commenced, Celtic looked in total control. Benjamin Nygren missed a one-on-one earlier in the first half, but the Swede’s second strike of the game half an hour in rebounded off the post and striker Johnny Kenny was first to react, firing home to score his second goal of the season. Falkirk’s best chance at getting back into the game was just a moment after the opener. Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi’s strike took a slight deflection from the edge of the box, but it was well held by Kasper Schmeichel. But just ten minutes after his first, there would be a second for Kenny. Anthony Ralston looped a ball in from deep, and Nygren again made it easy for the Irish international as his headed pass was nodded into the Falkirk goal by Celtic’s number 24 to put them two goals ahead going into the break. Tired of being provider, Nygren got his own name on the scoresheet. Marcelo Sarrachi’s tame volley was pushed out by former Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain, but only went as far as Celtic’s top scorer who bagged his fifth league goal of the campaign having been at heart of the other two goals previously. The home side made it four with 18 minutes to play. Substitute Luke McCowan from deep in his own half spotted the run of Sebastian Tounekti, who beat a sliding Liam Henderson to the ball and scored his first goal at Celtic Park since joining from Swedish side Hammarby on deadline day. Martin O’Neill marks his first managerial gig in six years with a result, with him and Shaun Maloney in the hot seat until the Celtic hierarchy find Brendan Rodgers’ replacement after the Northern Irishman’s shock resignation on Monday night. The result is Celtic’s first win in three league contests, having lost to Dundee and Hearts consecutively before tonight. The Hoops face Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden on Sunday, before travelling to FC Midytlland of Denmark for Thursday evening Europa League action. As for Falkirk, tonight marks their first defeat in four having not tasted defeat since the back end of September. They host a Kilmarnock side on Saturday who fell to a 1-0 home defeat tonight to Aberdeen. CELTIC: Schmeichel 5, Ralston 5, Trusty 6, Scales 6, Sarrachi 7, Nygren 6 (McCowan 66′ 4), Engels 5, McGregor 6 (Hatate 76′ 1), Forrest 7 (Balikwisha 61′ 2), Kenny 8 (Maeda 66′ 3), Tounekti 7 (Osmand 76′ 2) FALKIRK: Bain 3, Adams 6, Allan 4, Henderson 4, Lissah 4 (Hart 62′ 2), Miller 5 (Agyeman 62′ 2), Tait 4, Arfield 4, Spencer 5 (Cartwright 68′ 1), Ross 4 (Williams 46′ 4), Samuel-Ogunsuyi 4 (Graham 62′ 2)

October 29, 2025

Russell Martin Remains Under Fire as Rangers Held by Falkirk

Falkirk 1-1 Rangers Cartwright (73) – Miovski (41) Second-bottom Falkirk hosted Russell Martin’s struggling Rangers side at the Falkirk Stadium this afternoon, with both teams looking to rebound from disappointing defeats in their previous matches. The Bairns returned to home action after a 3-0 defeat away to Hearts at Tynecastle, following a credible 2-2 draw with Hibs the week before, a match in which they came back from two goals down to earn a point. Rangers, meanwhile, finally secured their first league win of the season – and their first under Martin, with a 94th-minute victory over Livingston last weekend. However, any momentum gained was quickly squandered with a 2-1 defeat to Austrian side Sturm Graz in the UEFA Europa League midweek, both goals coming because of typically catastrophic defending. Wearing their white away kit, Rangers got the match underway at Grangemouth and had the ball in the net inside three minutes. Good work from Mikey Moore created space for a shot that Scott Bain managed to parry, but Djeidi Gassama’s follow-up was ruled out for offside after a VAR check by Steven MacLean. Despite that early warning, it was the hosts who took control. Falkirk’s willingness to spread play wide from defence, coupled with relentless pressing and an aerial bombardment of the Rangers box, put the visitors under intense pressure from the outset, much to the delight of the ferocious home crowd. Despite sustained Falkirk pressure, it was Rangers who offered their head coach some relief with a goal just before half-time. Derek Cornelius, operating at left-back, whipped a ball right across goal for Bojan Miovski to tap home with ease. The away support briefly celebrated before resuming chants against Martin, a reminder that, despite any fleeting signs of progress, they remain firmly opposed to his continued tenure. Into the second half and Rangers did not push on, Falkirk came close on the hour mark, MacIver putting his header wide at the back post despite Butland coming and completely missing the cross. But Rangers slackness would be punished, substitute Henry Cartwright was allowed so much room to drive through the middle of the park before driving his strike past the rooted Butland sending two and a half sides of the Falkirk stadium into delirium. That goal meaning Rangers have set a new club record- 23 away games without a clean sheet. The Bairns would then chase a victory, catching Rangers on the break after a slack Mohammed Diomande pass, Alfredo Agyeman broke forward but his strike went just past the post and Brian Graham would come an inch away from squeezing hot shot from close range under Butland, with the former England goalkeeper just catching his effort by landing on top of the ball. In the end it was to end all square, with chants from the away end of ‘Russell Martin, get out of our club’ it is difficult to see how the former Scotland defender carries on from here as we head into an international break and an opportunity for the Ibrox board to look for potential replacements. For the hosts it is a valuable point that lifts them above Dundee and out of the relegation playoff spot. Falkirk Bain 6; Adams 6, Henderson 6, Neilson 6, McCann 7, Spencer 6, Tait 6 (Cartwright 8), Wilson 6 (Agyeman 6), Williams 7 (Arfield 5), Miller 6 (Samuel-Ogunsuyi 5), MacIver 5 (Graham 5) Subs not used: Hogarth, Oliver, Allan, Lissah Rangers Butland 6; Tavernier 6, Souttar 6, Djiga 7, Cornelius 8; Barron 6 (Bajrami 5), Rothwell 6 (Diomande 5), Raskin 6 (Aasgaard 5); Moore 6 (Antman 6), Gassama 7, Miovski 7 (Chermiti 6) Subs not used: Kelly; Aarons, Cameron, Meghoma Att: 7652

October 6, 2025

Falkirk