Falkirk Archives - Page 4 of 6

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

Kyziridis-Inspired Hearts Record Comfortable Victory over Falkirk

Hearts 3 – 0 Falkirk Kyziridis (22′) Shankland (41′) Halkett (47′) A stunning Alexandros Kyziridis strike sent Hearts on their way to a comfortable 3-0 victory at Tynecastle, and to the summit of the Scottish Premiership. The game started at a frantic pace. Calvin Millar tested Alexander Schwolow with a low strike in the opening minute. The goalkeeper was making his first start at Tynecastle after his summer move from Union Berlin. Kyziridis was Hearts’ hero against Livingston 3 weeks ago, and was a constant thorn in the Falkirk side. His inventive cross narrowly evaded Craig Halkett as they searched for the opener. The home side eventually found a rhythm and created several chances in the opening exchanges. Stephen Kingsley stood up a deep cross to the backpost, which Harry Milne headed narrowly wide. The Jambos broke the deadlock after 23 minutes with a candidate for goal of the season. Kyziridis ventured in off the left, beating several white jerseys, and unleashing an arrowing strike past Bain into the top corner. It was a marvellous strike from the Greek winger, who looks to be brilliant business from the Tynecastle outfit. Falkirk occasionally showed signs of the football that secured back-to-back league titles under John McGlynn’s guidance. A clever forward pass by Spencer allowed McCann to sweep a low cross into the Hearts box, but Ross MacIver was unable to find the connection. The lead was doubled after 41 minutes. Lawrence Shankland picked up a loose ball on the edge of the box and drilled a low effort under Bain. The captain endured a somewhat difficult 2024 season, but looks back to his best under Derek McInnes with his third goal in two games. The halftime whistle brought thunderous applause from the home faithful. Hearts were fresh off a first Ibrox victory in 11 years, and were brimming with confidence against the Scottish Championship winners. The home side raced out of the blocks in the second half and added a third in the 47th minute. Kyziridis turned provider, delivering a dangerous corner kick for Craig Halkett to glance home. McGlynn’s team had started slowly against Hibernian on Tuesday evening and were being put to the sword against a dominant Hearts. They looked to respond, as Scott Arfield and Calvin Millar flashed shots wide. Shankland stung Bain’s palms, and Kingsley’s free-kick cannoned off the wall as Hearts searched for a 4th. Braga inspired a Hearts comeback draw against Motherwell last month, and blasted a shot straight at Bain as the game ticked towards the 70-minute mark. Schwolow was alert to tip Tait’s stinging effort away from goal in the 80th minute as McGlynn’s boys searched for a route back. Overall, it was a deserved victory for Derek McInnes’ team, who move top of the Scottish Premiership after Celtic’s goalless draw with Hibernian. Hearts welcome their rivals in the first Edinburgh Derby next Saturday evening. The Bairns return to the Falkirk Stadium a week on Sunday to face Russell Martin’s Rangers. Hearts: Schwolow 7 Kingsley 8 Halkett 7 Findlay 7 Milne 7 McEntee 7 Baningime 7 Devlin 8 Kyziridis 8 Braga 8 Shankland 7 Substitutes: Steinwender 6 Forrest 6 Magnusson 5 Kerjota 5 Falkirk: Bain 6 Adams 6 Henderson 5 Lissah 5 McCann 6 Spencer 6 Tait 6 Cartwright 6 Williams 6 Miller 6 MacIver 6 Substitutes: Arfield 6 Oliver 6 Hart 5 Ogunsuyi 5 Attendance: 18919

September 26, 2025

David Gray: Hibs Have “Opportunity to Make History” at Celtic Park

Hibernian threw away a two-goal lead to leave the Falkirk Stadium with just a point last night, despite being 2-0 up on the stroke of half-time. A goal from Ross MacIver in first-half stoppage time and a thundering Liam Henderson header midway through the second half earned the hosts a share of the points and left David Gray scratching his head at just what is going wrong with his side at the moment. The result came on the back of Saturday’s defeat to struggling Rangers at Ibrox. The former Hibees skipper turned manager seems to know where his side are falling short. Speaking post-match, he said: “We’re creating enough chances, but we’re not being clinical enough to finish games off. “At 2-0, we should have been three or four up with the big chances we had, you’re always then suspect of the next goal. It feels right now like a defeat because of the manner of the game, but it’s certainly not a disaster. “It almost became a case of taking a point from an opportunity where we should have had three points, but if I try and be positive, we’re undefeated in the league and got a point away from home at a difficult place to come.” He was quick to stress that his side’s mentality is strong enough to recover from recent setbacks and quickly get back to their best: “Every game is difficult in this league, but as a group, they need to stick together, and they will do that. “There is ownership within the squad, there is accountability, and within that, you need to stick together.” Gray also took a share of responsibility for the recent results, which have seen Hibs win only one of their first five league games, drawing four. He said: “It’s my responsibility to put the team together, improve the players, and educate them as to why we think it’s happening and how to be better in those moments.” They must now quickly regroup for a trip to Celtic Park to take on the also-undefeated champions this weekend in Glasgow. While Gray recognises the challenge ahead, he feels it is one the players should embrace, with the opportunity to become heroes for the Hibee support. He said: “The challenge will be extremely tough. The challenge to the away team [at Celtic Park] is to try and quieten the crowd, whatever that looks like. You do that by putting in a level of performance. “It’s also an opportunity for the players to recreate history, and I’ll remind them and give them the belief to go along their way with our game plan, to try and come back with three points.” Celtic supporters voiced their unrest in previous away matches with Kilmarnock and Partick Thistle, and with more protests set to happen at home, Hibs defender Warren O’Hora feels that frustrating the already restless home crowd would be “ideal” for his sides chances of a win. He did acknowledge how tough the task would be to become the first Hibs side since 2010 to win at Parkhead: “It’s a tough test for anyone. We’ve gone there previously and we’ve done well. “We’ve obviously not got results, but we all know how tough it is to go there and win but we’ll back ourselves and give our best shot, no doubt.” While Gray acknowledged the unrest among the Celtic support, he pointed out that Rangers faced similar issues at Ibrox and that it would have no bearing on his side’s preparations or game plan, stating he and his squad had to “focus on themselves.”

September 24, 2025

“We Showed We Deserve to Be in This League” – John McGlynn Hails Falkirk Spirit

Falkirk came from two goals down to draw with Hibernian at the Falkirk Stadium last night, edging themselves clear of the league’s bottom two. The visitors struck first when Martin Boyle converted a VAR-awarded penalty after a handball decision against on-loan winger Ethan Williams. Jamie McGrath then doubled Hibs’ advantage, spinning smartly in the box before firing home. On the penalty decision Falkirk boss John McGlynn said: “I suppose by the letter of the law; he stops the ball going in the box. “I think it’s a little bit harsh. But that was all separating the teams at half-time. There’s nothing that you can do about these things. “You just hope over the course of the season they even themselves out. I think it’s the first time we’ve been involved in a bad situation and we’re in our fifth game.” The hosts, however, responded right on the stroke of half-time. Williams made amends for conceding the penalty by delivering a perfect cross for Ross MacIver to tap in with the final kick of the first period. Williams was involved again after the break, providing the corner for Falkirk’s equaliser. His pinpoint delivery was met by Liam Henderson, the powerful centre-half rising highest to thunder a header into the net for 2-2. Falkirk pressed for a winner and looked the stronger side in the closing stages, but ultimately had to settle for a point against the green half of Edinburgh. John McGlynn’s men now turn their attention to the maroon half of the capital, travelling to face high-flying Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday. The newly promoted Bairns, who secured back-to-back promotions to return to the Premiership last season, insist they are relishing the challenge rather than fearing it. Previewing the match, captain Brad Spencer said: “That’s why you come to this league, to play the big sides. “I’m really looking forward to Tynecastle, my first time playing there with fans. These are the games you want as a player.” Spencer admitted, however, that the Premiership brings different challenges: “You get punished a wee bit more for mistakes in the Premiership because you’re up against good players every week. “But we’re enjoying it. A lot of boys are learning on the job, myself included, and it’s about finding our feet quickly.” McGlynn echoed those sentiments, praising his squad’s resilience and unity: “The team spirit in the dressing room has been massive. It’s a big reason why we’re here.

September 24, 2025

Falkirk 2-2 Hibernian

MacIver (45), Henderson (64) – Boyle: (Pen 30), McGrath (43) Falkirk hosted Hibernian for tonight’s Tuesday evening football fix as both teams looked to return to winning ways after defeats in their previous matches. Already eliminated from the Premier Sports Cup at the hands of holders Celtic, the hosts had a free weekend last week following their home loss to St Mirren, whilst Hibernian exited the cup last Saturday, becoming the first Premiership side to lose to Russell Martin’s Rangers. For the Bairns, Manchester United loanee Ethan Williams came in for his first start as the experienced Scott Arfield dropped to the bench in John McGlynn’s only change. In response to the defeat at Ibrox David Gray made two changes with Warren O’Hora and Dan Barlaser coming in for Grant Hanley and Dylan Levitt. Raphael Sallinger retained his place in goal ahead of Jordan Smith and was called into action early doors to deny Ross MacIver inside the area within the first minute. There would be some half chances at both ends before Hibs were awarded a penalty just before the half hour mark. A Nicky Cadden cross hit the arm of Williams inside the area. Referee Calum Scott initially waved away protests but was called over to the monitor at the next break in play and awarded the spot kick. Martin Boyle, who was denied a goal by VAR on Saturday, stepped up and converted past the diving Scott Bain to open the deadlock for his side, the goal met with a chorus of boos from the home support who felt the decision was harsh on their side.There could be no complains over the Edinburgh side’s second however, after some blocked efforts and pinball in the box the ball would fall to Jamie McGrath who would spin excellently in the area before driving his shot low into the corner to double the advantage. Falkirk would pull one back right on the stroke of the half time whistle, Ross MacIver latching onto a Williams cross to tap home. An excellent delivery right into the corridor of uncertainty, Sallinger remained rooted to his line and the Falkirk hitman had the simple task of touching it over the line. Into the second half and McGlynn’s men would remain on top. They would be rewarded for their dominance just after an hour. Liam Henderson thundering a header past Sallinger after a terrific cross from Williams from the corner. A real game of two halves, Falkirk would be closest to a winner as MacIver forced Sallinger into a stop after driving in from the left wing. But it was not to be and the points were to be shared. One gained for the Bairns after their first half showing and two dropped by the Hibees after a dismal drop off in the second 45.

September 24, 2025

Reviewing Each Scottish Premiership Club’s Transfer Business

A summer of change across the Scottish Premiership with five new managers in the door across the division, a summer of wheeling and dealing ensued as clubs looked to shape their squads. We review the business of each club and unpack the winners and losers of the window. Aberdeen – 6/10 Fresh on the back of an impressive Scottish Cup win, Aberdeen’s main priority was to strengthen the side to be capable of competing on all four fronts, as they secured a place in European Football. Jimmy Thelin looked to the Scandinavian market, bringing in Krtjan Mar Kjartansson and Kenan Bilalovic. Alfie Dorrington returned for a season-long loan from Tottenham to bolster the backline, while Kusini Yengi was brought into the club for attacking options. Aberdeen’s window was heavily focused on the forward areas. They sold cup final hero Shayden Morris as well as the club’s talisman, Pape Gueye, which weakened the squad. Their deadline day was the most successful, bringing in Kevin Nisbet and exciting winger Jesper Karlsson. A mixed window for the Dons, as they have brought in a lot of youthful talent, while losing two key players. The addition of Karlsson saved their window from being lacklustre. Celtic – 3/10 Going into the summer as Champions, it was clear to see Celtic needed attacking reinforcements. Buoyed by the return of Kieran Tierney, it looked like it was going to be an exciting window for the Hoops. Nicolas Kuhn left the club to join Italian side Como, whilst fringe players Palma and Tillio departed alongside him to Poland and Austria. Having sold Kyogo Furahashi in January, a new striker was top of the shopping list; however, this failed to come to fruition. Benjamin Nygren, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sebastian Toukneti look to have bolstered Celtic out wide; however, their lack of a number nine is an issue. Callum Osmand and Shin Yamada look to be project players, whilst Adam Idah has been sold to Swansea. Kelechi Iheanacho has since been brought in; however, this is outside the window, so it doesn’t count towards their rating. All in all, a poor window for Celtic, where they leave it weaker than when they entered. Dundee – 5/10 Tony Docherty replaced by Steven Pressley as a summer of change engulfed the Dens Park Side. Losing key players Josh Mulligan, Lyall Cameron and Mo Sylla, it was an important first window for Pressley. Yan Dhanda is their signing of the summer as he looks to rediscover his Ross County form. Paul Digby and Drey Wright look to be a good bit of business. However, it has been a summer of unknown at Dundee. There are a lot of question marks over their signings, with youthful players sprinkled in alongside experienced ones. Dundee United – 6/10 European Football secured Jim Goodwin set off to strengthen his squad for the European qualifiers, having lost a large number of players. It was an interesting window from the Tanadice side, with a lot of unknowns from across Europe joining the club. Zac Sapsford and Ivan Dolcek look to be the finds for the club, looking very impressive early on. The return of Liverpool loanee Luca Stephenson also boosted Jim Goodwin. There are many unknowns surrounding Dundee United’s transfer window, including the signings of Lucie Lovu, Bert Esselink, and Dario Naamo, to name a few. The Tangerines have expanded their presence in the European market by bringing in ten players from across the continent. The only issue with Jim Goodwin’s business is the number of loans, as they are in key areas of the pitch, although some do have the option to buy. Falkirk – 4/10 Falkirk, after a long hiatus, returned to the top flight of Scottish football. Their window, however, does not exactly scream we are here to stay. Scott Bain was the marquee signing joining from Celtic following the expiry of his contract. Brian Graham was also brought in; his experience is sure to help the Bairns. Four loan deals Falkirk look set to repay the faith to the players who helped them reach the Premiership. However, it’s been a poor window in which they haven’t strengthened enough to maintain Premiership status. Hearts – 8/10 Fresh from the investment of Tony Bloom and the addition of Jamestown Analytics, Hearts have had one of the best windows in the league. Alexandros Kyziridis and Claudio Braga have added an exciting option on the wing, with the latter enjoying a great start to life at Tyencastle. Elton Kabangu made his move permanent after spending the latter end of last season on loan. Whilst the club shelled out a club record fee to bring in exciting young midfielder Ageu from Portuguese side Santa Clara. Stuart Findlay was brought in as a favourite of Derek McInnes to tighten up the backline. Hearts also made a healthy profit from the sale of James Penrice, a man they paid nothing for the previous summer. It has been an exciting window for Hearts, the only downside being that their squad does look slightly bulky, as they have failed to ship out some of the deadwood. The likes of Kenneth Vargas remain at the club despite not being in the plans. Hibernian – 9/10 Hibs, for me, have had the best summer in the Scottish Premiership. Jamie McGrath and Josh Mulligan joined the Leith side on free transfers following the expiration of their contracts elsewhere. The Easter Road side also shelled out a reported one million pounds for striker Thiabult Klidje. Grant Hanley, a seasoned professional, made the move to Scotland after spending the majority of his career in the south. He adds stability to the backline, which, at times last season, looked shaky. Going out the door was Dylan Vente, who left the club after failing to impress in his time in the capital. Whilst Moriah-Welsh and Ekpiteta left to join clubs down south. Excellent business from the Leith side, as their new signings have fitted in seamlessly, and they look to have really strengthened their side

September 3, 2025