Baird backing Bairns to push for promotion

John Baird hit a second-half double against one of his former clubs, but admitted the star of the show was substitute Lee Miller.

The Bairns looked in trouble when Stephen Mallan gave Saints a two-goal lead after Scott agnew had fired in an early opener.

But Luke Leahy’s header handed Falkirk a lifeline before Baird levelled from the penalty spot.

and the striker was on target again with a dramatic last-gasp winner as the Buddies were left empty handed.

Baird said: ‘We didn’t play well in the first half and at half-time the boss left us in no doubt he was looking for a big improvement.

‘Lee Miller coming on at half-time made the difference as he caused their defence so many problems.

‘Lee may not have scored, but his hard work meant i was able to get into the game.

‘it was a great feeling getting the winning goal, but we deserved it.’

Baird believes the Bairns can mount a sustained promotion push after maintaining their unbeaten start and taking 13 out of a possible 15 points.

he added: ‘ rangers are the favourites, but we have done well to stay just behind them.

‘i think we are contenders for promotion — and the title — but there is a long way to go.’

The match was soured by a wild challenge by Peter Grant on Paul McMullan that saw the Bairns defender only yellow carded, while the Saints star was stretchered off.

Buddies boss ian Murray insisted: ‘it was the clearest red card you’ll see in British football this weekend — it was a shocking tackle.’