A Steelmen and Bairns stalemate

Last Updated : 09-Aug-2026 by John Wilson

Motherwell and Falkirk served up goalless draw at Fir Park, a fair result.

The home side had the best of the first half chances while the visitors turned up the energy level in the second but without an end product.

There were three changes to the ‘Well side that had played in Helsinki on Thursday and the effort in that Conference League tie seemed to tip the balance of play in favour of the Bairns as the game progressed.

Motherwell stamped their style on proceedings early on and Tawanda Maswanhise topped off an early attacking phase with a shot off target.  The home crowd appreciated the flowing move that brought the next chance.  Emmanuel Longelo and Ibrahim Said exchanged neat passes to  give Said freedom on the left.  He delivered the ball for Maswanhise’s near post run but a defender deflected the attempt for a corner.  Said rattled the bar following the half cleared dead ball delivery.


Lukas Fadinger ran on to Oscar Priestman’s through ball but Scott Bain won the one on one encounter.  

Falkirk changed tactics after the break.  They gave Motherwell’s defence no time on the ball as they worked hard in the press.  As the game wore on it became clear that the fresher legs were in the visitors’ white shirts.

They had plenty of the ball in and around the home box but there were no major opportunities created.  Motherwell had a rare presence in the Cooper end box  but Maswanhise, Alex Lowry and Johny Koutroumbis all had efforts high and wide.

Neither manager can complain about the draw.

Motherwell now have to prepare for the second leg of their Uefa tie with HJK on Thursday.

 

Motherwell 0 Falkirk 0                                                                          

Attendance: 7,018 (990)

Team: Paulsen, Moorman (Girdwood-Reich 65), Knight-Lebel, Sparrow (Koutroumbis 64), Priestman, Fadinger, Said, Longelo (Wilson 76), Vogt (Charles-Cook 76), Booth (Lowry 46), Maswanhise

Sunday 9 August 2026

Motherwell Fixtures & Report