Falkirk's search for a first league win of the season continues after a 2-1 home defeat to Rangers. Lawrence Shankland scored twice for the visitors, with Falkirk's only reply coming from a Kosta Nedeljkovic own goal.

Their recent form reads one win, two draws and two defeats, a sequence they must improve quickly with fourth-placed Dundee visiting next. That key fixture is part of the upcoming fixtures list.

Shankland set the tone early, putting Rangers ahead after just eight minutes. Falkirk responded and created chances, with Jacob Murrell going close on his home debut. A defensive mix-up between Ivor Pandur and Ross McCrorie then presented Aodhan Doherty with a golden opportunity, but he failed to convert.

Falkirk's persistence was rewarded, albeit in unfortunate fashion. Ethan Ross delivered a dangerous cross that Rangers right-back Nedeljkovic could only turn into his own net, levelling the score. Parity was short-lived, however, as Shankland struck again to restore Rangers' lead, an advantage they would not relinquish.

Touchline dynamics

Rangers manager Derek McInnes watched from the stands, serving the first match of a two-game touchline ban for comments made last season. His opposite number, John McGlynn, patrolled the technical area as his team fought to get back into the game. Goalkeeper Scott Bain made several important saves to keep Falkirk in contention, denying efforts from Liam Henderson and Ethan Ross.

Searching for momentum

The performance highlighted a recurring issue for Falkirk this campaign: an inability to turn promising play into points. The team's stats show they have scored just six league goals while conceding nine, leaving them with a negative goal difference. The current squad will need to find more cutting edge.

Former Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield, analysing the match, pointed to Shankland's improved support. "At Hearts, Shankland had runners going in behind and I think you've got that now with this front four," he said. Pundit Kris Boyd focused on the standards required at the top, stating, "It's all about points to a certain point then you've got to start winning with performances."

McInnes later described the game as "too scrappy" and criticised his team's lapses in concentration, despite securing the three points. For Falkirk, the focus shifts immediately to halting this winless streak. The squad, which includes recent contributors like Ethan Ross and Owen Eames, will need to be at its best to get a result against a side sitting in the top four.

The original report is at skysports.com