NEXT UP: MONTROSE (H)

Next up for The Bairns is a return to action at The Falkirk Stadium as we host Montrose in cinch League 1.

Falkirk go into Saturday’s game on a high after extending their winning streak to six at the weekend with a five-one demolition of Kelty Hearts. John McGlynn’s side remain unbeaten since the league campaign kicked off and boast the feat of being top scorers in the SPFL, a stat that sees them hold top spot in cinch League 1 on goal difference.

The Bairns travelled to New Central Park last Saturday for a fixture that has proven tricky in the past. The game kicked off at the later time of 5:30pm as it was live on BBC Alba and The Bairns put on a show for the cameras. Falkirk started as they meant to go on, opening the scoring after just two minutes, when Liam Henderson met a corner at the back post to head home. Callumn Morrison doubled the lead in the 19th minute from the penalty spot after being brought down in the box by Kelty player/manager Michael Tidser. Morrison then completed his brace 14 minutes later when Kelty goalkeeper Gourlay fumbled a Coll Donaldson strike and Callumn pounced to scramble the ball over the line. Lewis O’Donnell gave his team a lifeline with the final kick of the half, scoring a beautiful volley from outside the box.

Despite scoring three, Falkirk weren’t dominating what was a scrappy game but came out much stronger in the second half, getting more of a grip on the game and putting it beyond doubt. Ross MacIver got himself back amongst the goals in the 73rd minute, tapping home a rebound after the ‘keeper parried Alfredo Agyeman’s effort. Aidan Nesbitt completed the scoring with 10 minutes left on the clock with his second goal of the season. Alfredo Agyeman drove forward before cutting inside and playing the ball to Gary Oliver. Oliver then laid the ball off for Nesbitt who hit an excellent shot, reversing the ball into the bottom left corner from 20 yards. The win means Falkirk remain top of the league table, but only on goal difference with Hamilton also winning their game.

Our opponents, Montrose, have picked up their form after an inconsistent start to the season. The Gable Endies have won their last four matches in all competitions, scoring 11 goals in the process. Two impressive wins against Queen of the South in the league and Cove Rangers in the SPFL Trust Trophy were followed by a five-two hammering of Edinburgh City and a one-nil victory over Stirling Albion on Saturday. Kane Hester’s second half goal fired Montrose to fourth in the table, where they sit on 12 points, seven behind Falkirk and Hamilton.