The Bairns fought back to rescue a well-deserved point against Rangers in a fiery Premiership stalemate.
A fantastic Falkirk performance saw them pick up a well deserved point against a dishevelled Rangers side. Super-sub Henry Cartwright stole the show with a 25-yard rocket, securing the point while also opening his Falkirk account in style.It was a bright start for the visitors as Mikey Moore bombed down the right wing before cutting inside on his left, his shot was saved but Gassama thumped in the rebound before the flag went up for offside.
This early scare snapped the Bairns into action though and sparked a great spell of dominance for the hosts. However, despite piling the pressure on a shaky Rangers side, the home side struggled to create many shooting chances.
That would all change though when Kyrell Wilson darted into the Rangers box, beating two players before squaring it for MacIver. His resulting strike forced Butland into making a great save before Wilson’s effort on the rebound rolled agonisingly wide of the post.
Confidence was flowing among the home side now as the away fans became increasingly frustrated as Raskin was punished for his poor touch, allowing Williams to steal possession before striking from range. His effort rolled just wide but the positive signs were certainly there for the Bairns.
Despite Falkirk’s early dominance, it would be the visitors to draw the first blood in the 40th minute of the contest. A swift move down the left wing led to Derek Cornelius sliding a low cross across the box which made it’s way to Miovski who slid in at the back post to tuck home a precious Rangers opener.
Rangers fans growing frustration with manager, Russell Martin, was not masked by this goal though as chants calling for his departure echoed around the Falkirk stadium as the game approached half-time.
Falkirk had every right to feel hard done by as they trailed at the break too, as on another day they certainly could’ve led the clash on a few occasions.
The Bairns began the half with the same intensity as the first period and encouraging signs were showing in the early stages. However, we were still yet to see any clear cut chances which led to many wondering if this just simply wasn’t Falkirk’s day.
Aygeman’s introduction proved to be a game changer for the Bairns. His rapid pace gave them a great outlet on the wing and it wasn’t long before he was causing the Rangers defence all kinds of bother. Five minutes after coming on, he drove to the byline before digging out a dangerous ball to the back post and, despite MacIver’s header dropping wide of the target, spirits around The Falkirk Stadium were rising.
Falkirk’s prayers for an equaliser were answered soon after in the most spectacular fashion. Super-sub Henry Cartwright latched onto a loose ball, shrugging off the Rangers defender before driving forward and unleashing a venomous strike into the top corner from 25-yards. Butland had absolutely no chance and the home crowd erupted as Cartwright bagged his first goal for the club.
After the restart, a bewildered Rangers tried frantically to find a winner but Falkirk’s defence stood firm. Brian Graham would then come close to snatching all three points for McGlynn’s side however, a strong hand from Butland kept them in the game with only two minutes to play.
Russell Martins side would manage to create a few more half chances but no one could convert and the contest would finish in a stalemate.
Falkirk Starting XI: Scott Bain, Keelan Adams, Leon McCann, Liam Henderson, Brad Spencer ©, Ross MacIver, Lewis Neilson, Dylan Tait, Kyrell Wilson, Ethan Williams, Calvin Miller.
Substitutes: Nicky Hogarth, Brian Graham, Alfredo Agyeman, Henry Cartwright (74’), Gary Oliver, Connor Allan, Filip Lissah, Scott Arfield, Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi.
Rangers Starting XI: Jack Butland, James Tavernier ©, John Souttar, Joe Rothwell, Connor Barron, Derek Cornelius, Djeidi Gassama, Yacouba Djiga, Bojan Miovski (40’), Nicolas Raskin, Mikey Moore
Substitutes: Liam Kelly, Max Aarons, Youssef Chermiti, Mohamed Diomande, Theo Aasgaard, Nedim Bajrami, Lyall Cameron, Oliver Antman, Jayden Meghoma.
Referee: Matthew MacDermid
Assistant Referees: David McGeachie and Paul McAvinue
Fourth Official: George Calder
Attendance: 7,652
Another positive result for the Bairns though as they once again prove that they have the resilience and character that is needed to become an established side in the top flight.
