Falkirk left Fir Park with a deserved 3-2 win over a Motherwell
side far short of their best.
The tight scoreline hardly reflected the balance of the game
as the visitors earned their second win in Motherwell. John McGlynn has found the solution to
Motherwell’s style with a high energy performance that stopped the
home side’s passing game all afternoon.
There was an enforced change to Jen Berthel Askou’s side as
Callum Slattery served the first of a two game suspension. His absence was
significant and Tom Sparrow moved to a midfield position.
A soft free kick was conceded by Paul McGinn wide on the main stand side after only three minutes. Calvin Miller delivered a tempting ball across the danger area and Barney Stewart rose to head the ball beyond Callum Ward.
Motherwell almost conceded a second when Ward’s play from his
own area bounced off an attacker and rolled off the right side of the
post. The warning signs were there. Falkirk were pressing and snapping as the ‘Well
goalie set about the usual short passing from his six yard box.
Ward had to fend off a few well struck efforts but Motherwell
were shot shy as play repeatedly broke down in the final third. Following a cleared corner just after the
half hour Elliot Watt pinged a volley from twenty yards. Scott Bain got a hand to it but the net
bulged and it seemed as though the teams would be level at the break.
Careless defending gave Falkirk the lead as Motherwell paid
the price for their high risk habit at the back. McGinn and Watt contrived to lose the ball
eight yards from goal when either could have elected to clear. Ward was stranded and eventually Ben Broggio
was presented with an easy tap in.
Motherwell looked a shade better after the interval but the
well honed game never came close to the usual high standard. Passes went amiss and there was no rhythm to
the play. Shots were rare and hopeful.
On the hour Falkirk were awarded a penalty following Ibrahim Said’s
needless pull on Miller and he duly converted from the spot.
A late consolation came from Tawanda Maswanhise but the
travelling support was able to celebrate top six confirmation.
Motherwell has a bad day at the office and have now taken
only one point from the last four games.
It will not be any easier next week with a visit to Tynecastle.
Motherwell 2 Falkirk 3
Attendance 8,129
(1,344)
Team: Ward,
O’Donnell (McGhee 73), McGinn, Longelo (Ross 77), Sparrow (Nicholson 63), Welsh,
Fadinger (Priestman 73), Watt, Said, Just, Maswanhise
Saturday 4
April 2026
