Goal-fest at The Falkirk Stadium as five-star Falkirk cruise to a 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock. It was a scintillating display from The Bairns, who all but secure their spot in the top six.
It was an incredibly entertaining performance from the hosts, who made sure it will take something drastic to knock them out of a historic top six finish.
It was a dream start for The Bairns, who spectacularly took the lead within a minute. A lovely one-two between Calvin Miller and Dylan Tait allowed the winger to drive into the Killie box, and his resulting cross was turned into the net by a defender.
It was almost dreamland for Falkirk as they thought they had doubled their lead with only four minutes played.
Barney Stewart rose above the crowd to nod home from close range, following a brilliant free-kick delivery from Miller. However, after an extremely lengthy VAR check, the goal was ruled out for offside.
That extended break in play was just what Kilmarnock needed, as they managed to settle into the game following The Bairns’ electric start.
The next ten or so minutes were fantastic to watch with chances coming for both sides in quick succession, as Broggio came close to doubling Falkirk’s lead with a curled effort towards the far corner before the visitors had a goal ruled out for offside.
McGlynn’s men would then find a crucial second with just under half-an-hour gone. This time, the goal came following a corner, as an excellent delivery from Miller was met by the head of Stewart, whose effort was well saved, but only as far as Dylan Tait, who bundled it in from close range.
Before Kilmarnock had time to settle after conceding the second, the ball was already in the back of the net for Falkirk’s third. Another goal following a corner for the hosts, as the ball found Donaldson at the back post, his resulting volley was heading wide before Stewart stooped low to guide a fantastic header into the top left corner.
That wasn’t the last of the first-half goals, though, as Kilmarnock pulled one back towards the interval when Greg Kiltie picked up the ball in acres of space before thundering it home from the edge of the area, giving McCann’s side a lifeline heading into the second period.
The visitors’ hope was certainly short-lived as, just five minutes into the second half, Barney Stewart doubled his tally to regain The Bairns’ three-goal cushion. Another great cross from Miller allowed Stewart to score the easiest goal of his career, as he tapped it home practically on the goal line.
A fifth was added soon after as Dylan Tait became the second player to bag a brace. Ben Broggio was the architect this time, his brilliant run gave him the opportunity to pick out Tait outside the box, he took a touch out of his feet before dispatching a rocket high into the net from distance.
The hosts’ dominance would continue, as chance after chance came the way of McGlynn’s side.
A huge chance was missed after the hour mark following a huge scramble in the box, which resulted in Broggio’s strike crashing off the post before Calvin Miller and Barney Stewart struggled to find a solid connection at the back post.
Falkirk enjoyed a handful of big opportunities before the end of the game; however, adding a sixth proved to be difficult and the scoreline ended just 5-1 to the boys in navy blue.
Teams
Falkirk Starting XI: Scott Bain, Leon McCann, Liam Henderson, Coll Donaldson ©, Brad Spencer, Ben Broggio, Finn Yeats, Barney Stewart (36’, 50’), Dylan Tait (28’, 56’), Filip Lissah, Calvin Miller.
Substitutes: Nicky Hogarth, Keelan Adams, Brian Graham, Lewis Neilson, Henry Cartwright, Connor Allan, Ethan Ross, Ethan Williams, Sam Hart.
Kilmarnock Starting XI: Kelle Roos, Dominic Thompson, Robbie Deas, Brad Lyons ©, Greg Kiltie (40’), David Watson, Bruce Anderson, Michael Schjonning-Larsen, Ethan Brown (1’ OG), Joseph Hugill, Findlay Curtis.
Substitutes: Max Stryjek, Jamie Brandon, Rory McKenzie, George Stanger, Tom Lowery, Nicky Clescenco, Marley Watkins, Liam Polworth, Aaron Tshibola.
Referee: Colin Steven
Assistant Referees: Graeme Stewart and Liam Duncan
Fourth Officials: George Calder
Attendance: 7,646
