Falkirk lose patience with boss McKinnon

TOILING Falkirk sacked manager Ray McKinnon last night after a 1-1 draw at Dumbarton left them in fourth place in Scottish League One.

A late Declan McManus penalty rescued a point for the Bairns yesterday but interim chairman Lex Miller relieved McKinnon and his assistant Darren Taylor of their duties after the match.

Former Raith Rovers and Dundee United manager McKinnon was lured from Morton last season but the 49-year-old was not able to save them from relegation to the Championship.

The Bairns brought in a raft of new signings in the summer in a bid to win promotion back to the second tier but have made a poor start to the season, suffering defeats at Clyde and Airdrieonians.

A club statement read: ‘Falkirk FC can confirm that Ray McKinnon and Darren Taylor have been relieved of their duties as firstteam manager and assistant manager with immediate effect.’

PARTICK THISTLE boss Ian McCall was relieved as his side recovered from a scare at Ochilview to comfortably make the last four of the Challenge Cup.

Leading through Reece Cole’s goal, the Firhill side allowed Stenny back into the tie but eventually had too much for the League Two side.

McCall said: ‘It was pleasing to come here and score four goals. We can now look forward to the semis.’

Thistle went ahead after 34 minutes through Cole but David Hopkirk shocked them by making it 1-1 midway through the second half. However, further goals from Gary Harkins, Craig Slater and Kenny Miller saw the Jags through.