Pain worse this season

Shattered Falkirk skipper Mark Kerr claims Friday’s play-off flop hurt more than last year’s final.

The Bairns blew their semifinal lead over Dundee United with 15 minutes left of the second leg to end their season on the ultimate low.

And the 35-year-old midfielder said: “Last year we competed in the first leg of the final, won it and thought, ‘We’re one game away from it’.

“This feels like the season has petered out without even having a proper crack at getting up.

“We didn’t get that chance to properly go at it. It definitely hurts more.”

Having seen Hearts, Rangers and Hibs all win the league in the past three seasons, the theory is next term should be easier for the Bairns without them.

But Kerr warned: “It brings its own pressure being the big team. I’m sure we’ll come back with a strong side. We have a good team but we just seem to be missing the final piece.”