Falkirk v Stenhousemuir FC

Falkirk v Stenhousemuir at Falkirk Stadium on 24.8.11 Scottish Communities Cup Second Round Att 2,134 Falkirk 3 [Sibbald 47,48, El Allagui 90] Stenhousemuir 1 [Paton 25]
Stenhousemuir’s ‘reward’ for defeating Cowdenbeath in the first round of the Scottish Communities League Cup was a short trip to Falkirk to play the Bairns. Although the Warriors had the greater experience in their squad, Falkirk were able to compensate by having youngsters who were full time and therefore were stronger in the latter stages of the game.
The home side started full of promise with Kallum Higginbotham and Mark Millar both having chances in the opening exchanges of the game. Stenhousemuir were determined to make a game of it though and Michael McGovern had to tip an Eric Paton free kick over the bar in the 13th minute. Falkirk should have opened the scoring three minutes later when with only the keeper to beat Jay Fulton missed the target from closer range. As the half progressed the Warrior’s started to get into a better rhythm and they opened the scoring in the 25th minute through a sublime Paton free kick that McGovern despite his best efforts failed to get near. Falkirk were shocked by this setback and it could have been much worse in the 38th minute of the game. Referee Alan Muir turned down a penalty claim when Andy Rodgers went down following a challenge by Darren Dods. Almost everyone at the ground felt it was a penalty including Dods but the referee decided otherwise. Dods would probably been dismissed if the award had been forthcoming but instead it was Rodgers who was cautioned for dissent.
Within seconds of the resumption Falkirk had equalised when Higginbotham skipped past the Stenhousemuir defence and his cross aimed at Craig Sibbald was turned into his own net by Brown Ferguson. Shortly afterwards it was a similar move by Falkirk that ended with with Sibbald this time able to claim the goal as Falkirk took the lead.
The Warriors had been severely punished for these lapses straight after the interval and could have fallen away after that. To their credit they stuck at their task though it was made all the more difficult as Falkirk were now beginning to play with a confidence that had been lacking in the latter stages of the first period. Rodgers came close with a header that was deflected over the bar in the 51st minute but two minutes later the play transferred to the other end of the park and once again Jay Fulton’s inability to hit the target gave Stenhousemuir a lifeline. They almost took it seconds later after Rodgers went down in the box claiming for a penalty then in the confusion Ferguson’s effort was cleared off the line by Dods. That was as good as it was going to get for Stenhousemuir though as Falkirk took control in the latter stages as the rigours of the Arbroath game began to take their toll and the Bairns were able to use the space better. With Stenhousemuir pushing up in a bid to get an equaliser they were caught at the back and Farid El Allaugi took advantage to chip Chris McCluskey and effectively finish the tie. Stenhousemuir almost had a consolation goal in added time when Ross McMillan’s header from a Stevie Murray corner was cleared off the line.
It was not to be however and Falkirk were worthy winners though Stenhousemuir apart from the start of the second half did not let themselves down.
Falkirk – McGovern, Duffie, Scobbie[b87], Dods, Bennett[b66], Murdoch [b82], J.Fulton, Millar, El Allagui, Higginbotham and Sibbald [D.Fulton 82]. Subs not used – Wallace, Graham, Dick and Bowman
Stenhousemuir – McCluskey, Lyle, Dickson [Quinn 82], Corrigan, McKinlay, McHale [Fraser 87], Ferguson [McMillan 59], Rodgers [b38], Kean, Paton and Murray. Subs not used – Thomson and Brown
Referee – Alan Muir Assistants – Andy Tait and Graham Leslie