By Oran Stander
It was a bitter cold afternoon in Grangemouth as the Bairns host cinch Championship side, Raith Rovers. With the beauty of the cup returning, both sides were determined to enter the next stage of the cup with the so called ‘big boys’. The last side these two sides met was in March 2020, where both sides claimed a point each in a frantic 1-1 draw. Raith who currently sit 2nd in the Championship are hoping to carry on their unbeaten run. As for the hosts, Falkirk look to cause an upset as Paul Sheerin’s side look to improve their run of form.
First Half:
Falkirk looked to dominate early proceedings with Dario Zanatta firing a shot wide from just inside the Falkirk box. The Canadian had another chance to open the scoring, however. The winger spurned his efforts.
Minutes later, Michael Ruth played a perfectly timed ball into the path of Callumn Morrison, who then saw his effort sail wide past the post.
Just under the 25-minute mark, Reghan Tumilty saw a second yellow after going in for a high foot challenge.
Raith shortly broke the deadlock via Ross Matthews, who belted the ball past the hands of Paddy Martin to open the scoring.
After taking the lead, the away side continued to look comfortable in all departments, with the away side happy to look for any mistakes that could be lurking around the Falkirk half.
Second Half:
Raith started the second half like they did in the first, with both fullbacks pressing the Falkirk back line.
It was Falkirk’s time to attack with Ryan Williamson serving a delightfully weighted cross into Callumn Morrison, who planted the ball past Jamie McDonald to level the score.
Moments later, the Barins seeked to complete the comeback just before Aidan Nesbitt cannoned the ball wayward past Jamie McDonald.
After a spell of dominance from Falkirk, Raith looked to go back in front when Tom Lang blundered his headed chance to give the away side the lead.
Midway through the second half, Ryan Williamson went down injured and was replaced by defender, Gary Miller.
On the 75-minuite mark, Aidan Nesbitt went on a majestic run, beating two Rovers players before having hitting a searing effort, in which sailed into the hands of Jamie McDonald.
After having a spell of dominance, Callumn Morrison lofted a ball into the back stick where Paul Dixon was waiting, however. Tom Lang resolutely cleared the danger.
After being under it the whole second half, Ethan Ross popped up when Raith needed him most. The youngster poked a ball past the helpless Paddy Martin to give the Rovers the lead.
With Rovers controlling the last proceedings, Nick Walsh blew up for time as Raith secure the win to take them to the fourth round of the Scottish Cup. With that being said, here is three things we learned as Raith destroy a Barins dream.
1. MCGLYNNBALL
Although it was pretty at times, Raith added another win to their unbeaten run. It was clear John McGlynn has got Raith playing some great football.
2. Bairns Improved
Although Falkirk didn’t get the result they wanted, the home side showed some impressive football, especially midway through the second half. Despite the result, Paul Sherrin can defiantly be proud of his players.
3. Captain Berra
It was clear that Raith captain, Christophe Berra played an instrumental role today. When the Bairns had their share of dominance it was clear that they were reluctant to put the ball into the box, because of one man, Christophe Berra. The heading ability Berra has is second to none, the defender certainty knows how to defend whipped crosses. Begging the question with Kyle Benedictus being left out the starting XI, could that be an opportunity for Christophe to showcase his captain abilities.
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