Falkirk 1-0 Dunfermline Athletic: Late Falkirk victory

ON A pitch resembling a beach, it was Falkirk who left basking in the sunshine of another late victory over their rivals, thanks to a clinical second touch of the ball from substitute David Weatherston.

Scorers: Falkirk: Weatherston (88)

Both sides could have scored before Weatherston, pictured below, nicked a through-ball from fellow sub Sean Higgins off the toes of Callum Morris and drilled it beyond Paul Gallacher in the 88th minute.

“Last week I made a couple of changes and they didn’t work out, this week they did,” said manager Steven Pressley, whose side won the Boxing Day meeting of the teams with a late strike. “But they worked out because of the players’ response. Yes, they can be put down as inspired, but it’s not about me, it’s about the two players.”

Pars midfielder Ryan Thomson should have given his side the lead in the 34th minute before the Falkirk goal led a charmed life after the break. In the 48th minute, Alex Whittle’s deflected shot hit the post and Craig Dargo’s follow-up was blocked by Michael McGovern. Morris’ header then struck the crossbar.

Lyle Taylor sparked a turnaround for Falkirk, who went close when Conor McGrandles’ diving header was blocked by Jordan McMillan and his shot on the turn was stopped by Paul Gallacher.

As the see-saw swung back in Dunfermline’s favour, McMillan’s drive was blocked on the line by Jonny Flynn and within three minutes Weatherston sprung from the bench to become his side’s hero.

Dunfermline manager Jim Jefferies said: “I’m delighted with the performance but we deserved something from the game.”