Match Report - By Steven Mew

Report by Steven Mew

A solitary goal deep into stoppage time from on-loan Watford striker Alex Jukubiak denied City their first clean sheet of the season and what could have been a hard-earned point after a battling performance at Glebe Park.

Darren Dods handed home debuts to on-loan players Callumn Morrison and Dylan Mackin following encouraging individual performances on the road and there was also the surprise inclusion of backup goalkeeper Patrick O’Neil who was given an opportunity at the expense of regular number one Graeme Smith.

City’s achilles heel of late has been conceding early goals and O’Neil was called into action after just 3 minutes to avoid that happening again. Rory Loy found himself clean through on goal after some slack defending but O’Neil was quick off his line to block the shot. Alex Jakubiak latched onto the loose ball but his goalbound effort was blocked by James Dale. O’Neil injured himself in the process of making the save however after some treatment he was able to continue.

On 9 minutes the Bairns won a free kick around 25 yards out – Jordan McGhee stepped up to take and his effort deflected off Sean Crighton and just past the post.

Chances were few and far between as both sides struggled on a heavy surface. The last clear cut chance of the opening period came mid-way through the half when a free kick was headed out as far as Jakubiak but he couldn’t keep his volley down.

The second half wasn’t one for the purists either but City did create an opening on 56 minutes when Dylan Mackin just failed to make contact with a near inch perfect Morrison cross.

With 70 minutes on the clock City were dealt a major blow as Aron Lynas, on as a substitute for James Dale just a few minutes prior, was given his marching orders for a rash challenge on Tom Taiwo. Referee Greg Aitken showed no hesitation in issuing a red card to the young defender which left City with a difficult task for the remaining 20 minutes.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, City continued to battle away and came close to opening the scoring shortly after the dismissal. A corner floated in by Watt from the right hand side was met by Crighton but his header went narrowly past the post.

Understandably, City began to tire as full time Falkirk pushed on in search of the winning goal. With five minutes remaining, substitute Joe McKee found some space on the edge of the box and his effort on the turn just whistled past the post.

As the game approached 90 minutes, Aaron Muirhead flicked a cross into the side netting but there was heartbreak for City deep into stoppage time when the Bairns notched the winner. After some pinball in the City box, the ball fell kindly for ALEX JAKUBIAK who made no mistake as he prodded into the corner to send the Falkirk fans into raptures behind the goal.

It was a cruel end to a game in which City defended well throughout and could consider themselves unfortunate not to gain a share of the spoils.

City’s search for a first win in the Championship doesn’t get any easier as they travel to face league leaders St Mirren next weekend. The Buddies will of course be looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat against Livingston but Manager Darren Dods will be encouraged by the fact that two of City's best performances this season have been against the Paisley side.

Other Results - Ladbrokes Championship

Livingston 4 St Mirren 1

A real shock result at the Tony Macaroni Arena as Livi trounce the league leaders.

Queen of the South 1 Morton 1

Share of the spoils at Palmerston.