Match Report

Saturday, 25th October, 2008

Kilmarnock 1-2 Falkirk

Steve Lovell's first-half strike and Scott Arfield's second-half penalty gave Falkirk the win over Kilmarnock at a blustery and soaked Rugby Park.

Lovell got on the scoresheet with a volley after 27 minutes following a corner from Neil McCann.

Falkirk extended their lead after a penalty through Scott Arfield on 66 minutes. Lovell was then sent off with 71 minutes gone for violent conduct.

Kilmarnock pulled a goal back on full-time through Donovan Simmonds.

The game kicked off in a howling gale, but the horrible conditions did not stop Falkirk finding the net inside a minute.

However, Lovell's connection with Graham Barrett's cross at the far post was ruled out for offside.

The visitors then earned a succession of early corner kicks, one of which was delivered from the right by Neil McCann and saw Alan Combe's good punch away from the near post.

Conor Sammon then had Kilmarnock's first chance on 11 minutes, as he forced Motherwell goalkeeper Scott Flinders into an impressive close-range block as he met Danny Invincibile's cross from the right wing.

Manuel Pascali then curled an effort over the top right-hand corner of the goal on 20 minutes after good work by Mehdi Taouil, who evaded his two markers on the left wing to send in a cross which was played on by David Fernandez.

It was a credit to the players that they managed to play any football at all in the conditions and Falkirk broke the deadlock through Steve Lovell.

McCann's corner from the right was punched out by Combe, who slipped on the rain-lashed surface.

But as he regained his footing, Jackie McNamara headed the ball back in and the English striker volleyed home the opener.

Kilmarnock almost restored parity three minutes later, but Jamie Hamill's 25-yard curling shot from near the left touchline blasted wide of the opposite post.

Fernandez came even closer to equalising on the stroke of half-time, but his header from inside the area was tipped over the bar by Flinders.

Scorer Lovell received a straight red card 20 minutes from time after kneeing Hammil as the pair slid to the ground on the touchline after clashing for possession.

Barrett picked up a booking in the resulting fracas.

However, the hosts reduced the deficit with an injury-time consolation from Donovan Simmonds, who headed home at the near post after a cross from the left by fellow substitute Willie Gibson.

Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies: "It was very difficult conditions and we didn't start well and we lost a goal there.

"We've come out and dominated the second half, there's no doubt about that. There was a great chance that Bryson's hit on target and the goalie's made a fantastic save.

"Then totally against the run of play they get a penalty. I think the crowd's reactions said everything.

"But nothing was easy today in those conditions."

Falkirk manger John Hughes: "I think that we controlled the game in the first half. We got a goal chopped off in the first two minutes and we'll have to have a look at that.

"Today we definitely deserved it. We work with a psychologist and he told us to think ourselves lucky as we could have been sitting at the bottom of the league with just five points.

"But there was never anybody panicking, these bunch of boys give me absolutely everything, week in, week out.

"I won't fine Steve Lovell, I never fine my players. I want committed players at this club."