Taiwo relives pain of cup final defeat

Tom Taiwo admits Falkirk’s 2-1 Scottish Cup final defeat by Inverness remains the most painful afternoon of his career as the sides prepare to renew hostilities today.

The Bairns star is one of just three survivors from the team that lined up at Hampden for the showpiece two years ago and confesses the wounds are still raw.

The trip to Inverness for their Betfred Cup tie will be the first time the teams have faced off since that fateful day and Taiwo recalled: “The tie will bring back a few memories.

“It was one of those days when you felt so close to something incredible. I think that was the most disappointing one.

“Of all the big matches I have played, that was the one where we were really close – we almost felt like we had a hand on the trophy, with the way the game was going.

“It was an absolute sickener because I really thought we were the better team on the day.”

Today’s encounter in Group A will influence who progresses to the last 16, but Taiwo reckons the top priority is to strike the first blow in the fight for the Championship title.

He added: “Of course we want to do well in the cups but, more than that, we can put down a marker for the season. A good result against Inverness, who will see themselves as another challenger for the title, will be a real signal of intent – and we’ll be fired up.”