Source: Team_Talk
Hughes demands final Bairns push
The Bairns moved off the foot of the Scottish Premier League for the first time in more than two months as a result of Wednesday night's vital 1-0 success at Hamilton.
Clearly buoyed by their run to the Homecoming Scottish Cup final, Hughes' men have put together a five-match unbeaten spell that has put their fate in their own hands.
A point clear of St Mirren at the bottom, a home victory against Gus MacPherson's struggling Buddies on Saturday would secure Falkirk's top-flight status and cap a memorable season.
But given Saints won at Westfield in December and the Bairns have not beaten them all season, Hughes is refusing to accept it will be an easy task to finish their job.
He said: "We need to win if we want to stay in the SPL but that's not a given. We're going to have to do something we haven't done this season and beat St Mirren.
"But if you said to me a couple of months ago it would come down to this, I would say, 'Okay'.
"A couple of months ago, I said it would be decided in the split. I still think there's a couple of twists and turns to come, but it's in our own hands.
"But I would stress we have done nothing yet. We have given ourselves half a chance - now we need to take our opportunity."
Hughes is firm friends with MacPherson after the pair came through their UEFA Pro-License together but he knows any social bond goes on hold this weekend.
The Bairns boss is also aware the ex-Falkirk players in the St Mirren ranks - Mark Howard, Steven Thomson and the doubtful Jack Ross - will have a point to prove.
He added: "It's a fine line between success and failure. But you can't be sympathetic to anyone. You have to be strong-minded and concentrate on what your own team is doing.
"I feel for everyone, I really do. I know the workers in the game and Gus and Andy (Millen) are certainly hard-workers.
"They're a good side with a few ex-Falkirk players in their team. They will be wanting to come back and stand up to us. It's all set up for a right, good football match."
Falkirk 11/10, St Mirren 11/5, Draw 9/4
