Match Report
Sunday, 1st February, 2009
by Gavin Berry
Falkirk 1-0 Aberdeen
JOHN HUGHES watched Michael Higdon bag a brilliant winner to end Falkirk's 15-year hoodoo against Aberdeen but hailed defensive war horse Steven Pressley for his part in the victory.
Veteran stopper Elvis was superb in the win that moves Bairns five points clear of bottom dogs Inverness Caley in the relegation battle.
On yesterday's evidence the former Scotland defender could be pivotal in helping Yogi's men beat the drop.
The new recruit was a standout as Falkirk beat Aberdeen for the first time since 1994 - a game boss Hughes played in - spanning 22 matches.
Beaming boss Hughes said: "Steven was absolutely outstanding. We know all about him but we've had to watch what we've been doing with him.
"We knew he kept himself fit but hadn't played a lot of football since coming back from Denmark.
"He needed games under his belt and he's getting these.
"We know he can play in a back four and he's enjoying it. And when you enjoy something you rise to the occasion - and that showed against Aberdeen.
"His whole presence is rubbing off on others right through the club."
Steve Lovell, celebrating awin against his old club, added: "Steven's a leader and he's got that experience.
"Even at the end of the game he's still talking, getting the boys to dig in.
"The game's never over until the last whistle so you need to see it out - and that's what Elvis does. He's been a brilliant signing for us."
A booking for Dean Holden inside 60 seconds for a foul on Lee Miller hinted this could be a lively encounter.
But it was the total opposite with the windy conditions not helping.
The fact it took almost half an hour for the first serious attempt at either goal tells the story of what a dull start it was.
Dons were the first to threaten when Charlie Mulgrew swung in a corner from the right.
The ball broke to Scott Severin who rifled a low shot through a packed penalty area - but Arnau Riera was perfectly positioned to make a goal-line clearance.
That chance livened up the game a bit - it could scarcely have got any worse.
At the other end Higdon shot just over Jamie Langfield's bar.
Darren Mackie then had the game's third chance in quick succession as he beat Lee Bullen and Pressley for pace.
That got him on the end of a Stuart Duff pass but Dani Mallo got down well to push the striker's effort away for a corner.
With the new half brought new hope for those desperate for action.
In 54 minutes Falkirk fans at least had something to cheer about.
Holden's ball out of defence was flicked into Lovell's path by Higdon who then released his strike partner down the left. He powered in to the Dons penalty box before unleashing a ferocious shot into the roof of the net.
That earned the win to end Bairns' jinx although Lovell should have made sure there would be no nervy last moments with a great chance late on when Scott Arfield put him through - but his lob over Langfield went wide.
Lovell wasn't made to pay for that miss and savoured the win.
He said: "We're second bottom and it's time we picked up points.
"The 15-year jinx wasn't on our minds. We needed to get a good result and we did that.
"It was a brilliant goal to win it and I'm delighted for Michael.
"It's been tough for him-he's been in and out of the team - but his goal has given us the three points."
REF WATCH: EUAN NORRIS' inexperience clearly showed. The rookie ref tried to stamp his authority with an early booking but too many calls baffled the fans. Rating: 5/10.