By Oran Stander
It was a frosty afternoon in Grangemouth as the Bairns take on 4th placed, Airdrie. The home side coming into this fixture in decent form after claiming a 2-1 victory over East Fife. The away side are looking to carry on from their narrow 2-1 victory over Clyde. Falkirk are without their star man, Callumn Morrison after sustaining a knee injury in their defeat to Queen’s Park in August. The last time these two sides met was in the opening stages of the season, where Falkirk managed to secure a 1-2 victory over the Diamonds.
The game started off with both sides testing each other out, Falkirk looked to have early possession as the Bairns look to have success down the middle.
The first chance of the game fell to Calum Gallagher as the forward found himself lurking around the box. However, Calum’s attempt sailed well wide past the post.
Falkirk hit back straight after with a fantastic ball was swung into the box by Leon McCann, finding Michael Ruth, who couldn’t convert his chance.
Success broke through when Calum Gallagher found himself free in the box, in which the 27 year old, found the back of the net to open the scoring.
It was the away side who were at full control when Calum Gallagher beat his marker and looked to land a second, however, Paddy Martin matched the efforts of the 6'ft goalscorer.
Second Half
The second half proceedings started with Falkirk blundering a chance. It was Declan McDaid this time who smartly took it past Kerr McInroy, before neatly placing his effort inches away from the crossbar.
However. Airdrie were on top again after Brad McKay’s error fell to Calum Gallagher, who couldn’t double his goal tally. After the striker was handed the golden chance to create further frustration to the Falkirk players.
It was the Bairns turn to have an attack when Leon McCann drilled a ball into the box, finding the feet of Aiden Nesbitt, however, The young attacker saw his chance sail into the hands of Max Currie.
On the stroke of the 70th min, Airdrie doubled their lead after a saved shot from Calum Gallagher fell to Callum Smith who smashed home his efforts to make it 0-2 to the Diamonds. Causing Falkirk to force a double substitution.
In the latter stages of the game Airdrie fired home a 3rd via a Calum Gallagher header as the away side continue their high pressing game against Falkirk. You get the feeling that Calum Gallagher ran ragged today, eh.
Shortly after. The ringing boos echoed around the stadium after the final whistle had blown. Falkirk add to their horrific run of form - perhaps a testament to the unsuccessful reign of Paul Sherrin, who will inevitably face questions whether he is the right man to guide Falkirk up the table.
Anyway. Here is three things we learned after todays clash,
Falkirk NEED a Talisman
It was clear that Michael Ruth and Aidan Kenna had an off day today, however. That begs the question, if Falkirk want to get promoted this season they MUST find a striker who will score double figures. The Bairns have really lacked that final touch this season. One of the disappointments of the conclusion of the transfer window for Falkirk was not being able to lure in a goalscorer to the club.
Bairns In Dangerous Trouble
With a somewhat disappointing start to the season. The shoreline this afternoon defiantly causes concern for Paul Sheerin. With the pain of the incredible fall in the latter stages of last season, Falkirk will be gagging to get promoted this season, However, the Bairns fall to 5th in the table. With risk of falling to 7th , should they lose to Montrose next week.
Airdrie Push On
Another ace performance means that the Diamonds jump to 4th place. Ian Murray will be delighted with his 10 out of 10 display this afternoon. Could this be a turning point for Airdrie? perhaps a chance for Airdrie to kick on after a uninspiring start to the season.
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