A Brief History
Part Eight - Revival
Falkirk quickly established their position in the Scottish League First Division achieving mid-table safety for the first few seasons. Then in season 1985-86 promotion back to the top division was finally earned. A 2-2 draw versus fellow promotion candidates East Fife being enough to earn the point required to finish as runners-up to champions Hamilton Academical.
Against the odds, Falkirk survived their first excursion in the Scottish League Premier Division courtesy of a famous 2-1 win at Celtic on the penultimate day of the season. The following season saw improved performances and a higher points total but 10th position failed to stop Falkirk dropping a division came as league reconstruction saw three teams relegated from the top division for the first time in Scottish League History.
Between seasons 1988-89 and 2004-05 Falkirk have regularly competed near the top of the Scottish League First Division or near the bottom of Scottish League Premier Division. During this period the club won the Scottish League First Division 4 times and finished as runners-up 4 times earning promotion 4 times in the process. One notable exception to this was season 2001-02 when the club were expected to take the drop to the Scottish League Second Division after finishing in a relegation spot. The club were fortunate enough to avoid this fate after the demise of Airdrieonians freed up a slot in the division which Falkirk were permitted to fill.
During the Nineties Falkirk also gained a reputation for being a good Scottish Cup side. The club reached the quarter-finals stage 4 times along with a Semi-final in 1998 and a Final in 1997. The Scottish Cup run in 1996-97 was particularly memorable as Falkirk defeated Dunfermline Athletic, Raith Rovers and Celtic (All three, Scottish League Premier Division clubs) on the way to the final versus Kilmarnock. The club can also consider themselves unfortunate not to have at least taken the match to extra-time after Neil Oliver had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside decision. (Pictured right)