Source: Team_Talk
Bairns made to wait after Saints draw
Falkirk were held to a 0-0 draw by St Johnstone to leave them needing a win at Kilmarnock on Saturday to avoid relegation from the SPL.[LNB] Despite considerable pressure, especially in the first half, Steven Pressley's bottom-placed side were unable to conjure a goal at the Falkirk Stadium.[LNB]With rivals Killie winning at Aberdeen, the Bairns fell two points adrift and must now emulate last season's final-day victory at Inverness to avoid dropping to the First Division for the first time since 2005.[LNB]St Johnstone, who extended their unbeaten run to five matches, had a strong penalty claim in the second period when substitute Josh Falkingham appeared to be brought down by goalkeeper Robert Olejnik.[LNB]But they were left happier with the draw as they stayed a point ahead of Hamilton in the race for seventh place.[LNB]Pressley made one change from the team that drew at home to St Mirren with Enoch Showunmi restored for Mark Stewart.[LNB]St Johnstone brought in Steven Anderson and Cillian Sheridan for Kevin Rutkiewicz and Liam Craig following Saturday's 2-1 win at Kilmarnock.[LNB]Despite the Bairns' greater cause, the attacking 4-3-3 line-up from Perth boss Derek McInnes proved his desire for the points.[LNB]Jody Morris registered an early, weak effort wide, but Falkirk took control to dominant the first half.[LNB]Pressley's energetic charges were almost rewarded on seven minutes when a corner from the right was headed on by Showunmi only for Pedro Moutinho to blast a glorious chance over from close range.[LNB]Falkirk continued to show a real appetite for the contest but opportunities proved hard to come by.[LNB]Scott Arfield's one-two with Moutinho on 16 minutes threatened success but the former could only drag a low shot into Graeme Smith's grasp.[LNB]The Bairns continued to hold the ascendancy but after promising build-up play, their final ball let them down.[LNB]Saints striker Kenny Deuchar, a former Falkirk player, was cautioned on 26 minutes for dissent before the injured Murray Davidson trooped off to hand ex-Leeds youth Falkingham a midfield debut.[LNB]Morris was next to be yellow-carded by referee Craig Thomson after a foul on Marc Twaddle.[LNB]As Falkirk upped the pressure, their best chance soon came. Moutinho's corner picked out Tam Scobbie who stretched to head just a yard wide of the left upright.[LNB]On 38 minutes, Colin Healy's short corner then caught the visiting rearguard napping and Moutinho's 15-yard strike was only denied by the legs of Smith. The Portuguese striker soon flashed a long-range free-kick past.[LNB]Saints defender Steven Anderson lost his footing and hauled down the on-rushing Showunmi, becoming the third Perth player booked shortly before the interval.[LNB]McInnes made a second change at the break, Sheridan replaced by Paul Sheerin.[LNB]The McDiarmid Park side began the new half brighter, at least territorially, and they finally carved out a chance on 52 minutes.[LNB]After Morris was felled by Twaddle, Danny Grainger's free-kick picked out Deuchar who nodded just over.[LNB]Falkirk, with just one goal in their previous three games, were struggling to regain the initiative despite the backing of almost 5,000 home fans.[LNB]Saints substitute Sheerin had a clear sight of the net after Chris Millar flicked the ball into his path but the veteran midfielder blazed wildly past left-footed.[LNB]St Johnstone had a new solidity and Falkirk were struggling to fashion any kind of opening.[LNB]However, on 68 minutes, they almost profited on the break. Moutinho played in Showunmi who steadied himself before seeing his shot deflected into the path of Ryan Flynn who nodded inches wide.[LNB]Falkirk then appeared to have a penalty let-off at the other end. Olejnik looked to rush out and fell Falkingham but whistler Thomson, despite a furious protest from the Saints player, was unmoved.[LNB]McInnes also showed his displeasure to the fourth official Gary Hilland on the touchline.[LNB]At the other end, Flynn was made to rue a poor first touch as he bore down on goal.[LNB]Falkirk pushed for the winner in a frantic finale, with Arfield somehow denied by Smith's tip past the far post, but a much-needed goal fail to come.
