Match Report

Sunday, 11th January, 2009

by David Rinaldi

Falkirk 4-2 Queen of the South

BAIRNS hero Graham Barrett bagged a brace and won the hotly disputed penalty that helped dump last year's finalists out of the cup.

And the recalled Irishman is hoping his super show will be enough to persuade boss John Hughes to keep him in the side for this weekend's trip to Ibrox.

The big striker's double and two from Scott Arfield helped Falkirk storm back from 2-1 down for a deserved victory.

And after Barrett was fouled in the box in 47 minutes by Craig Barr he reckons ref Charlie Richmond got it spot on by awarding the penalty kick that Arfield rifled home.

Graham said: "It was a penalty and all their players knew it. The boy had two tugs at me.

"That's the first time this season I've played through the middle and hopefully I've done enough to stay in the team.

"But I'm not the sulky type and know how good the players at Falkirk are."

Gaffer Hughes praised hotshots Barrett and Arfield. He said: "Anyone can ask me about Scott and I won't go on about his football skills.

"I'll talk about his attitude to the game. It's first class and the work and commitment he puts into training are superb.

"I'm absolutely delighted for Graham because I know what he has been through with injuries and how much courage and work he has had to put in to come back.

"Credit the supporters too because they made a good lot of noise and that filtered through."

Queens had their hearts in their mouths in the opening stages as Falkirk tore through their defence at will at rain-lashed Westfield.

Michael Higdon sent Barrett haring in to the box but his shot was saved by Lee Robinson.

Moments later the on-loan Rangers keeper superbly tipped Barrett's header over.

Robinson was again called into action when he raced from his line and headed clear from the edge of the box as Barrett raced through.

The Bairns went ahead in 37 minutes when Arfield netted from the spot but four minutes later Queens were level.

Barry Wilson's fierce drive from the edge of the box took a deflection that deceived Robert Olejnik and nestled in the back of the net.

Queens went ahead two minutes in to the second half with a screamer from Bob Harris.

Kean was fouled on the edge of the box and Harris stepped up to rifle the ball home.

But a minute later Falkirk were level when Arfield drilled the ball beyond Robinson from 16 yards.

Despite the appalling conditions the game was a cup classic and the Bairns stormed back into the lead in the 66th minute.

Captain Darren Barr found space in the box and his low shot was only palmed out by Robinson to Barrett to slot the ball home from three yards.

Palmerston boss Gordon Chisholm threw on Stephen Dobbie and Sean O'Connor for Steve Tosh and Scott Robertson with 20 minutes left. Minutes later Higdon had a Chris Iwelumo moment.

The striker rose to bullet a Barrett cross against the bar.

However, with keeper Robinson floored and the goal gaping he blazed the ball over from two yards.

Then with 10 minutes left Barrett sealed the game when he rattled home from eight yards out after great work from sub Mark Stewart.

REF WATCH: CHARLIE RICHMOND gave a soft penalty, an important call with the score at 0-0. But that apart he handled the game superbly in atrocious conditions. Dished out five yellows but there was justification for them all. Rating: 6/10.