Braes Bairns 3 FirParkCorner FC 6

Last updated : 16 November 2005 By Fraz

With the home side keen to impress from the outset and FPC missing captain Gavin Hepworth in addition to first choice goalkeeper Graeme Farmer, it was always going to be a tough match. This became clear just minutes into the match as O’Neills poor clearance allowed a Falkirk forward a sight at goal. Deputy stopper Miller did well to save the initial drive, but another Bairns forward was at hand to bundle home the rebound.

Despite the dreadful start, FPC were not to be rattled; yet another indication of the confidence now instilled in Fraser’s men. Instead, they pulled themselves level within two minutes, as the ever-deadly Lynas capitalised on a lucky bounce to leave the goalie stranded and tap into an empty net.

The Corner then took the lead when an excellent delivery from Michael Anderson was met by the head of Darryn Alexander to steer into the net. The lead was soon doubled when another ball from Anderson set Lynas clear on the ‘keeeper and there was only ever going to be one winner.


Lynas completed his hat-trick when the 4”8 striker rose to head home a cross from Ross Galloway just before the interval. It was a much more even first half than the scoreline suggested, but FPC peaked in form during a 15-minute burst and took the wind out of the
Falkirk sails.

The second half was played at a much slower tempo and, indeed, the home side started to come back into the match.
 
However, after 53 minutes, Lynas used his electric pace to breakaway and outstrip the defence and, after combining well with Alexander, stroked the ball home for his fourth of the match.


Second half substitute Davie Tonner then added his name to the scoresheet when he delightfully lobbed the ball into an empty net when the hapless goalkeeper found himself exposed outside his area.

Fraser than made a couple of changes with next week’s visit to Dundee in mind but this seemed to unsettle the side. Braes Bairns then gave themselves a lifeline with a couple of late goals, but the outcome of the tie was never really in doubt and FPC will be looking forward with relish to the trip to Perth in the second round.