Jacob Murrell's first-half double secured a vital 2-1 away victory for Falkirk against Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday. The win lifts John McGlynn's side to 11th place in the table, now on six points from eight games, which comprises one win and three draws, and provides a significant boost ahead of next week's home fixture.
Murrell opened the scoring after 13 minutes, finishing an assist from Ryan Strain. The striker doubled Falkirk's lead 24 minutes later, converting a chance created by Ethan Ross. Hibernian responded quickly, with Owen Elding pulling a goal back four minutes before the interval.
The second half saw the hosts apply heavy pressure. Hibernian were awarded a penalty in the 53rd minute for a foul by Liam Henderson, but a VAR review downgraded the decision to a free-kick just outside the area. Martin Boyle fired the resulting set-piece over Scott Bain's crossbar. Falkirk's goalkeeper was called into action again late on to deny Jamie McGrath, preserving the three points.
Falkirk manager John McGlynn made one change from the previous match, with Scott Tanser coming in for Leon McCann. The victory is only Falkirk's second league win of the season, the other being a 2-1 triumph over Hearts in September. The result ends a run of two games without a win, following a draw with St Johnstone and a loss to Dundee. That recent form over the last five matches now reads two wins, two draws and one loss. The team has scored seven goals this season while conceding eleven, giving them a goal difference of minus four.
Hibernian boss Marink Reedijk was left to reflect on another defeat. "Marink Reedijk loses again," he said after the match. His side made three changes but could not find an equaliser despite dominating possession after the break.
Falkirk now look forward to a key home match against Kilmarnock next Saturday. Kilmarnock currently sit 12th in the table, making it a key encounter in the battle to move clear of the relegation zone. The squad's full fixtures for the coming weeks are available online. Despite the win, the club remains 15 points behind league leaders Celtic in the title race.
The original report is at uco.es
