With only eight minutes gone, Darren Dods trotted, head down, in apparent shock from the field. By the time he would have arrived in the dressing room, Russell Latapy’s free kick was nestling in the net. The task of playing arguably toughest team in the division with ten men and a goal behind with 82 minutes left was always going to be an impossible task.
Saints had made a poor star to the match. Midweek news of Mark Robertson’s lack of fitness had been concerning. His physical authority would be sorely missed in such a game. Surprisingly, he was deputised by the talented Mark Baxter. A change that few would have predicted. Saints struggle to settle from kick off, and the confusion also affected the defence. Forsyth and Maxwell fouling Latapy in the corner despite being two on one. The pre-match notes by Stark had iterated the importance of concentration from set pieces, with Falkirk being equipped with James, Lee, Sharp and Hughes. And not even a minute on the clock James rose above all, but headed over.
Eight minutes past three, and Saints afternoon ended. Paul Bernard was caught napping on the ball ten yards outside the Saints box. John O’Neill nipped in, only to be challenged and felled by Dods on the edge of the D. There was only one outcome for the last man. Rowbotham obliged correctly with a flash of red. Exit Dods, entre Latapy. Just as Peaso and Mixu had blasted Saints out of Falkirk’s reach at Ochilview. This time Latapy, stepped forward with a dipping right footed shot which clipped the underside of the cross bar on its way past Cuthbert and into the goal.
Whilst Stark was re-organising from the touchline to a 441, Saints could easily have snapped an equaliser. Donnelly won a 50-50 bouncing ball in midfield, and released Peaso into the box. Even though one on one with Ferguson, Peaso’s effort was blocked. Despite the ball only being cleared as far as Forsyth, who fed Peaso again, his second attempt possessed no more venom than the first. Falkirk began to enforce their man advantage, and won a corner after 15 minutes. Only a well positioned Mixu head, managed to deflect a powerful James header from the corner.
After 25 minutes, a Baxter free kick was controlled by Donnelly just inside the box. Yet, his half volley was deflected away by the Falkirk defence. Ten minutes before half time, and any speculation of a Saints comeback halted. Falkirk obviously aware of Cuthbert’s achilles, floated a high corner to the back post across the six yard line. James appeared to climb on Mixu, but Rowbotham awarded the goal. Yet, still, at the other end, McLaughlin squandered a chance. A Saints free kick found McLaughlin unmarked inside the box. His left footed volley was easily saved by Ferguson, with Mixu unmarked and waving frantically at the other post. 39 minutes gone, and Peaso had another chance. Again Falkirk struggled with the cross ball, and McLaughlin’s ball fell to Peaso. He was unaware of the time and space he had, and volleyed over first time. Cuthbert, made a good save from Latapy after 40 minutes. Slick movement down the left flank resulted in the cross being laid off by McMenamin to Latapy who drove a shot, but Cuthbert was able this time to turn it round the post.
Half time brought a change. McLaughlin was removed, and replaced by Parker. For Falkirk, Hughes was replaced by ex-Saint McAnespie, who looked determined to score against his old club. He had a strong effort from 25 yards tipped over for a corner. Parker, made good use of the ball, and troubled Falkirk cutting in from the right sideline. He won a free kick on the edge of the box after 52 minutes, but Peaso was not on such sharp form, and failed to emulate Latapy as his effort flew over. McMenamin should have made it three after 57, side footing a McAnespie cross wide.
Saints refused to resign themselves to a loss, and continued to press. Ventures forward only exposed space at the back, and Falkirk capitalised after 61 minutes. A quick free kick midway in the Saints half, was played down the line for Rahim, his early low cross was finished by McMenamin. Hay came on for Peaso, and Malone for Baxter but the game was over. McAnespie completed the misery with an excellent left foot curling strike from the edge of the box, and Mixu missed the chance to grab a consolation when he missed a free header in the box from Parker’s cross.
The Saints players have nothing to be ashamed of this afternoon. They truly gave it all. This afternoon’s result was not warranted. An unfortunate but correct sending off, was the end. However, the question reigning in many Perth mind’s will be the shallowness of the squad. Saints did not have the cover to fill the gaps this afternoon, and they paid the ultimate price. In the short term they drop to fourth, but other injuries and suspensions will occur over the season and how will they be addressed. With the January sales fast approaching, perhaps Mr. Brown might gift Billy Stark with a couple more players to bolster the squad. With exception of Malone and Baxter, the youth have failed to step up to first team level. Further, it remains uncertain what the future will prescribe to the influential Mark Robertson. Whether car boot sales on the Dens Road, might help accommodate his transfer, or on the contrary ensure his fast return down the Tay to Dundee. Whichever, Saints paid the price this afternoon, shedding three precious points, the chance to go top, and the inevitable boost of confidence and self belief has they won.