Calvin Miller scores penaltySNS

Calvin Miller's penalty proved decisive as Falkirk secured a top-six finish

At a glance

  • Falkirk secure top-six finish in their first Premiership campaign for 15 years

  • Stewart & Broggio net either side of Watt leveller in first half

  • Miller penalty extends lead before Maswanhise scores late consolation for Motherwell, who are now winless in four games

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Fir Park

Falkirk emphatically secured their place in the top half of the Scottish Premiership as Motherwell's long home unbeaten record - stretching back to October - was broken.

Barney Stewart and Ben Broggio's first-half goals sandwiched an Elliot Watt leveller for the home side before the impressive Calvin Miller converted from the penalty spot to earn victory.

These decisive three points offer John McGlynn's side an outside chance of pushing for a European place after successive promotions from League One.

Tawanda Maswanhise netted an injury-time consolation but defeat leaves fourth-placed Motherwell without a win in four league matches, with Hibernian now within three points of them.

The visitors knew a single point would finally earn the reward they sought - a top-six finish on their long-awaited return to Scotland's top flight.

They play to win, though, and being the last visiting team to triumph here on league duty they went straight on the front foot early on.

The outstanding Miller flighted a delightful free-kick in from the left and in-form striker Stewart's header found the far corner.

The home side strongly claimed for a penalty shortly after when Maswanhise appeared to be caught when in on goal but there was no award despite their protestations.

They did level, though, when Watt's volley flew through Scott Bain's hands for a tame concession. But just as the home side looked encouraged, they offered up a gift of their own.

Watt didn't look as he played the ball back towards goalkeeper Calum Ward. Miller anticipated and the ball broke wide to Broggio, who reacted first to tap home just before half-time.

Miller had an effort from distance touched on to the woodwork but he added Falkirk's deserved third from the penalty spot after Ibrahim Said caught Filip Lissah.

Analysis: Falkirk earn dream outcome as Motherwell falter

Motherwell's campaign - and home form - has been excellent. Their defensive record is brilliant and their style great to watch.

They have undoubtedly hit a little bump in the road, though, at the business end of proceedings, giving supporters a dose of nervousness.

Having enjoyed Fir Park as a fortress, they finally succumbed and it was Falkirk again who undid them. A bogey team maybe but a good team.

The early concession was crucial and handed Falkirk immense encouragement. Having equalised, all evidence this season pointed to a strong reaction but it didn't quite materialise.

For a side with such defensive stability, the manner of Broggio's goal will frustrate. There's no question Jens Berthel Askou will back his players but playing in that way in that area rather than clearing did seem unnecessary in that moment.

There remains work to do to capitalise on all their good work with Hibs now breathing down their necks.

Falkirk are a very good side under an impressive manager and fully deserve a place in the top half. It is a fabulous achievement for a promoted side who just can't stop rising. What a ride for Bairns supporters the past few seasons have been.

Stewart's rise to prominence is also a brilliant story within a season full of them. From nowhere, the striker - who now has six goals in his past five games - has exploded into this Premiership campaign and will no doubt be attracting interest.

He works hard, gets in the box, instinctively finds the right space and finishes superbly. A lot of attributes to like in a player who looks capable of progressing far beyond what we're seeing right now.

That said, he needs quality delivery and gets it. Miller consistently impresses as he has done for a long time in Falkirk colours. He was outstanding, not to mention a host of others.

Full credit to Falkirk. They've been so impressive this season and completing a double of wins at Fir Park is no mean feat in itself.

What's next?

Motherwell travel to take on Hearts at Tynecastle in their final pre-split fixture next Saturday (15:00 BST). Falkirk host Rangers the following day (12:00).

What they said

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou: "Falkirk deserve all the credit they've had. When we play against the best then we need, sometimes, the things we cannot control to also go our way, so far this season that has not happened.

"There's a clear penalty on Tawanda Maswanhise. It is very clear Liam Henderson wipes him out. That's a clear penalty and a potential red card."

Falkirk manager John McGlynn: "As much as we've been invincible and won the Championship, this is probably the greatest achievement.

"We've come into the top league and we've not just tried to defend and look for a point here and there. We play attractive, attacking football and we've come out in a top-six position which is incredible."

Player of the match

C. Ward
6.00
13 C. Ward
6.00
45 E. Longelo
6.00
57 S. Welsh
6.00
16 P. McGinn
6.00
2 S. O'Donnell
6.00
20 E. Watt
6.00
12 L. Fadinger
6.00
90 I. Said
6.00
21 E. Just
6.00
7 T. Sparrow
6.00
18 T. Maswanhise
6.00
6 J. McGhee
6.00
25 O. Priestman
6.00
19 S. Nicholson
6.00
28 L. Ross
6.00
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