Celtic called upon for two favours off top six rival as scene set for European backdoor shootout

A strike from Henry Cartwright just after the hour mark secured the victory for Falkirk and keeps them in the hunt for a top-five finish.

Stephen Welsh almost headed in a Motherwell equaliser during the last minute but sixth-placed Falkirk survived to move within two points of Hibs above them in fifth, which could become a European spot, if Celtic win the Scottish Cup against rivals Dunfermline Athletic. Hibs host Celtic at Easter Road on Sunday before heading to the Falkirk Stadium next Saturday as Easter Road head coach David Gray watched on from the stands.

“We have had good games against Hibs,” said manager John McGlynn. “I don’t think they’ll enjoy coming here and we’ve got to make it that way. You continuously move challenges and the challenge was can we get above Hibs. At the moment it’s on for next week to be an absolute cracker.”

How did Falkirk Motherwell play out?

Both sides set out to play their passing-orientated style of play with Motherwell keen to utilise down the sides for good measure. Barney Stewart passed up two first half chances for the hosts and Elijah Just came close up the other end. The pair showed why they have been two of the most lauded this term with McGlynn and counterpart Jens Berthel Askou on the touchlines embroiled in a tactical chess match. Each set of fans even got into a battle of the oles as passing moves progressed.

From the ridiculous to the sublime, Motherwell keeper Calum Ward stumbled on the ball all of two yards from his goal, but was down in a shot to somehow deny Stewart’s blast when it was harder to miss. Eventually the hosts got their opener that chances suggested was coming, Cartwright making an immediate impact off the bench, to fire low into the Motherwell net.

Falkirk had not lost to the Steelmen this season and put themselves in pole position to go undefeated across four matches. They were reducing their visitors to virtually nothing in the way of clear chances and Calvin Miller almost scored a goal of the season contender. He jinked his way in and out opponents like mannequins but could only blast wide as the winger was left unbalanced.

Motherwell weren’t carving much out, but the game remaining split by a goal left the door open. It was gaping with the last attack as a well-worked corner was nodded back across goal by Welsh. However, no team-mates in claret and amber were there to convert what would certainly have been a share of the spoils.

John McGlynn and Jens Berthel Askou on Falkirk 1-0 Motherwell

“I think we had the better chances in the game,” McGlynn added. “I think on another day Barney could have had three or four himself but we are delighted to win. I have the greatest respect for Motherwell as they are a cracking team. They play amazing football and you need to be on your toes. We’re delighted because obviously we want to try and cut that gap on the Hibs down to the two points it is now. And for the next 24 hours or so, it's going to be like that. With Hibs coming here next week, who knows, it could be us trying to jump Hibs over the next three games if we can.”

Askou, who’s side defeated Rangers 3-2 at Ibrox last time out, admitted his side weren’t at the required level to cut through their stubborn hosts. They take on Hearts at Fir Park next week before ending the campaign by taking on Celtic and Hibs.

“Very, very difficult first half,” said the Motherwell manager. “I think at times for both teams, extremely open transition on transition, because none of the teams were really good enough at taking advantage of all the space they got going forward. I think we really tried to lift our game for the second half and in many ways we did that. We weren't able to use all the space that was actually there, also transition-wise today, and that the most disappointing thing for me.”

The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly