The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Weir’s Loons pay price for profligacy in front of goal
Forfar boss disappointed as Angus side fail to cash in on first-half dominance
FALKIRK 2 FORFAR ATHLETIC 0
Forfar manager Jim Weir reflected ruefully on his team’s failure to take their chances as they fell to defeat against Falkirk in last night’s Betfred Cup tie.
The Loons dominated the first half and should have been in front before halftime but a double interval substitution by Bairns manager Paul Hartley changed the dynamic of the game and the Championship outfit eventually overcome their Angus opponents.
“We were on the front foot in the first half and made a number of chances,” said Weir.
“But games are played over 90 minutes, not 45 minutes. I expected Paul to make changes at half-time, which he did, and they looked more threatening after the break.
“We have a young side with a few new players and we dominated the middle of the park for long spells but, although we gave it our best shot, we didn’t get what we deserved from the game.”
Despite Weir having his team selection options constricted by a combination of injuries and suspensions the visitors were by far the superior side during the first half and even the most fervent Falkirk supporter would have conceded that their team was fortunate to reach the interval on level terms.
Forfar should have taken the lead via the penalty spot after only 10 minutes when Bairns goalkeeper Robbie Mutch hauled down Dale Hilson but Mutch parried Jamie Bain’s initial effort before saving well from the midfielder’s followup attempt.
John Kelly then shot wide from a good position before the Loons were twice denied by the woodwork, with both Hilson and Kelly seeing their efforts rebound from the goal frame.
Despite having failed to trouble Forfar keeper Mark McCallum prior to the break, the home side took the lead early in the second half, substitute Dennon Lewis controlling the ball well on the edge of the box before driving a powerful shot low into the net.
Falkirkthentookcontrolofproceedings before wrapping up victory in the closing stages when Deimantas Petravicius took advantage of a goalkeeping error by McCallum before stroking the ball into the empty net.