[DavidMc]

Falkirk 0-0 Motherwell
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 1st March
Brockeville Stadium, Falkirk

Falkirk and Motherwell had to settle for a point each in a lukewarm encounter at the Falkirk Stadium.
Bairns goalkeeper Robert Olejnik saved David Clarkson's early header, with Falkirk opportunities at a premium.

Ross McCormack clipped the ball just over the bar as the Steelmen dominated throughout the first half.

Pedro Mouthinho went close for the Bairns just after the break but, despite a second half improvement, they struggled to threaten the visitors.

The Steelmen remain in third place, while Falkirk stay in the hunt for a top six spot, despite a disappointing performance.

Falkirk boss John Hughes made three changes from the team which lost 2-0 at home to Hibernian.

Strikers Moutinho and Carl Finnigan were recalled, while defender Gerard Aafjes also came in after replacing the injured Jack Ross during the Hibs defeat.

Motherwell made only one switch from the team which grabbed a 1-1 draw with Aberdeen on Wednesday.

Manager Mark McGhee brought in Marc Fitzpatrick for Simon Lappin, but former Rangers midfielder Bob Malcolm was forced to wait for his debut.

The Lanarkshire outfit started brightly, with Steven Hammell's free-kick swerving just wide.

In the eighth minute Clarkson almost made an early breakthrough with a header only to be denied by an excellent save by Olejnik.

Eventually the Bairns threatened the Motherwell goal in the 24th minute.

Full-back Aafjes found space on the right, but his low cross spun up off Patrick Cregg, and goalkeeper Graeme Smith managed to grab the loose ball.

McCormack spurned Well's best chance of the half, spooning the ball over the bar after a lovely turn in the box, and the chance for the visitors to go ahead before half time was gone.

With the onus on both teams to be more assertive in the second half, they tried to oblige.

Moutinho went close for the Bairns with a right foot shot, but he was thwarted by Smith.

At the other end in the 57th minute, Clarkson made space for a shot but the Well striker pulled his effort wide, much to his frustration.

Stephen Hughes failed to direct Clarkson's near-post cross on target as the game swung from end to end, with Motherwell nonetheless, still possessing the edge.

Wasteful Well, in particular, will be the more aggrieved in what was an instantly forgettable encounter, which does neither side any real favours.



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Falkirk: Olejnik, Aafjes, Scobbie, Milne, Barr, McBride, Arfield, Cregg, Moutinho, Barrett, Finnigan. Subs Not Used: Supple, Clarke, Latapy, Bradley, Mitchell, Stewart, Robertson. Booked: Milne.

Motherwell: Graeme Smith, Quinn, Hammell, Reynolds, Craigan, Lasley, Fitzpatrick, Hughes, Clarkson, McCormack, Porter. Subs Not Used: Daniels, Brian McLean, Lappin, Malcolm, McGarry, Darren Smith, Jamie Murphy.