Highlanders’ hopes alive as Mulraney makes impact

Jake Mulraney sprang from the bench to grasp another vital win for Caley Thistle as Falkirk remained in danger near the foot of the table.

The Highlanders, now seven games unbeaten, moved up to sixth after the pacey Irishman’s dramatic impact, and the hosts’ play-off chances remain very much alive.

On a dreich night, Falkirk settled first, early pressure bringing a free-kick which Sean Welsh swirled under the crossbar, but keeper Mark Ridgers clutched confidently.

But the hosts found some fluency and when Gary Warren headed against the bar, Nathan Austin followed in, but Paul Watson cleared off the line.

Following the break, it took a clearance off the line by Carl Tremarco to thwart a Watson header.

Irish wingers Aaron Doran and Mulraney replaced Austin and Charlie Trafford and Mulraney’s pace turned the heat on Falkirk, forcing keeper Conor Hazard to race outside his box for a tackle.

Oakley headed home from apolworth cross, but the breakthrough came with eight minutes left. Mulraney jinked past several challenges then hammered a low 16-yard shot past Hazard.

Ridgers denied an equaliser with a brilliant 90th minute save from Jordan Mcghee’s header.