Match Report
Wednesday, 26th October, 2011
by Paul Quinn
Teenage kicks leave United battered and bruised
DUNDEE UNITED 2 FALKIRK 2
Falkirk win 5-4 on penalties
Scorers: Dundee United - Russell (73), Daly (96); Falkirk - El Alagui (70), Graham (115)
IF this story was pitched as a film script, it would be rejected on the grounds of being too far-fetched. Somehow, against all the odds, Falkirk, with the youngest squad in the club's history, have made it all the way to Hampden.
While victories over Albion Rovers and Stenhousemuir were routine, subsequent wins against Rangers and Dundee United are forever guaranteed their place in Falkirk folklore. The jubilation and pride on Steven Pressley's face at the end told its own story.
Teenage kicks, so hard to beat? United certainly found that to their cost in a match they dominated from start to finish but just couldn't kill off. Falkirk, with five teenagers in their starting XI and three more coming off the bench, were forced to find a strength many of their younger players never even realised they had. By the end, they were drained, physically and mentally.
Many of them had no right to be out this late on a school night, yet emerged as men as they edged a shoot-out after Ally Graham's late equaliser had forced penalties. Stewart Murdoch scored the decisive kick seal a semi-final place.
Where it leaves Peter Houston, the United manager, remains to be seen. An indifferent start to the season has left United in 10th position and this defeat, against such inexperienced opponents, will do little to ease the pressure. Less than 18 months after leading United to the Scottish Cup, serious questions are being asked. “We have missed a wonderful opportunity,” said Houston, who confirmed he will not travel with Scotland to Cyprus next month. “We had enough chances to finish the game by half-time but we didn't take them. However, we will stick together and work to improve our league form.”
Playing a leading role for Falkirk was Farid El Alagui. Having scored 14 goals in 15 prior to kick-off, scouts again came to watch the Moroccan. His goals against Rangers hinted El Alagui is capable of stepping up a level and he confirmed that suspicion last night. While an isolated figure, he always gave Garry Kenneth and Gavin Gunning problems. When they let their guard down for a second, El Alagui punished them with a bullet header for the opener.
Falkirk, missing Tam Scobbie, Rhys Bennett and Mark Millar, showed admirable maturity. Darren Dods, a paternal influence, marshalled the defence beside teenage partner Murray Wallace. The onus was on United to attack but all they could muster in the opening quarter was a Scott Robertson header that failed to threaten Michael McGovern.
El Alagui forced a routine save from Dusan Pernis as Falkirk slowly began to creep forward, yet United almost conjured an opener out of nothing when Lauri Dalla Valle met Paul Dixon's cross with a flick. McGovern produced a acrobatic save.
United grew in confidence as the half progressed. Dalla Valle diverted wide and Jon Daly came even closer with a volley that kissed the bar. The pressure was mounting. Robertson's 20-yard shot brought another fine save, before Stephen Kingsley headed off the line from the same player. Daly also headed wide before half-time.
Falkirk were in need of some respite. They had never looked like scoring but El Alagui only needed a yard to meet Dale Fulton's cross and bury a header beyond the static Pernis in 70 minutes.
Pressley dared to dream as he called for concentration. Yet, Falkirk's lead lasted just 180 seconds. Johnny Russell droved in from the left and arrowed a wonderful shot into the bottom corner.
United renewed their onslaught. Gunning and Russell both headed over as Pressley urged his side on. His encouragement almost paid off when David Weatherston's header forced Pernis into a spectacular stop.
Daly scored in 96 minutes and also crashed a 25-yarder off the bar. Falkirk looked out but Graham broke free to chip over Pernis. Penalties ensued and there was a fairytale ending for Pressley's youngsters as Flood missed and Murdoch kept his nerve.
“We had 10 kids in the squad but they showed no fear and deserve so much praise,” Alex Smith, Falkirk's director of football, said. “Can we win it? We have reached a Hampden semi-final and it's a fantastic achievement. But we will wait for the draw before looking any further forward.”