By Robbie Hill
The Bairns extended their lead at the top of the Championship table to eleven points as they edged past a struggling Airdrieonians side.
The game finished 2-0 at The Falkirk Stadium and the league leaders head into Tuesday’s clash with Livingston on an all-important high.
A frantic opening ten minutes led us to believe this was going to be a goal-fest. There was an instant opportunity for Lang as he latched onto the end of Brad Spencer’s free kick delivery, his effort was saved but it spelled the beginning of a dominant period for the hosts.
Falkirk came close again a few minutes later when Calvin Miller’s dangerous corner was met by the head of Oliver. Melrose produced another great save though and the scores remained level for the time being.
Quick feet from Ethan Ross saw him fouled yet again, this time the free kick was from striking distance and the winner of the foul fancied his chances. Ross came agonisingly close, striking the bar from distance and coming close to a crucial opener.
The first fifteen minutes was all Falkirk, but the visitors then managed to settle back into the game and create some opportunities of their own.
Much of the rest of the half was broken up by fouls and bookings, but Airdrie suddenly burst into life on the stroke of half time when Gavin Gallagher broke into the box and forced an unbelievable save from Hogarth. The corner that followed the initial chance saw The Bairns’ shot stopper called into action once again as his diving save made sure the hosts would not trail at the break.
The second half began similarly to how the first half ended. Airdrie were causing Falkirk some problems and almost opened the scoring through Ben Wilson. He found himself through on goal but couldn’t slot the ball past Hogarth, who produced another spectacular save.
Falkirk came alive after that close call and took the lead on the hour mark. A swift break down the left-wing saw Ethan Ross drive at pace into the Airdrie box and square the ball to Oliver, his attempt was saved but only as far as Calvin Miller, who tapped it into an empty net to put The Bairns ahead.
The action then seemed to go cold once more as both teams struggled to create clear chances. Miller did come close to doubling his tally when his volley from the edge of the box was deflected, it almost sent Melrose the wrong way, but the goalkeeper managed to re-adjust and make a comfortable save.
Airdrie’s Chris Mochrie then produced a lovely piece of skill, flicking the ball over Sean Mackie’s head and hitting it on the volley from a tight angle, but the ball was once again met by the gloves of Hogarth who was unbeatable today.
Just when it seemed like this game was going to end in a rather unconvincing 1-0 Falkirk win, Dylan Tait broke into the box and was brought down by Melrose and The Bairns were awarded a penalty in the sixth minute of additional time. Scott Arfield made no mistake from the spot, doubling Falkirk’s lead and taking his tally to six goals upon his return to the club.
This result sees The Bairns pick up another priceless three points in the pursuit of the Championship title ahead of a colossal clash away to Livingston.
Falkirk Starting XI: Hogarth, Lang, Henderson, Donaldson ©, Spencer, Nesbitt, Oliver, Adams, Ross, Mackie, Miller (59’).
Subs: Munro, Yeats, McCann, MacIver, Agyeman, Tait, Stewart, Brophy, Arfield (90+6’).
Airdrieonians Starting XI: Melrose, MacDonald, Hancock, McCabe, Wilson, McMaster, Wilson, Frizzel ©, McGrattan, Gallagher, Bannon.
Subs: Wright, McGregor, Diack, Bruce, Duffy, Watson, Mochrie, Graham, Armstrong.
Referee: Euan Anderson
Assistant Referees: Craig Ferguson and Steven Wilson
Attendance: 6,287
