Source: Team_Talk
Rice delighted with solid Bairns
So often renowned for their pleasing-on-the-eye passing football, the Bairns have adopted a new approach in recent weeks to grind out results at a crucial time.[LNB]A vital home league triumph against Aberdeen was followed by a battling Homecoming Scottish Cup fifth-round victory at Hearts - the club's first win in Gorgie since April 1995 - courtesy of 1-0 successes.[LNB]Having already reached the Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-finals this term, John Hughes' men now have a quarter-final at Inverness to relish, while holding a four-point lead over the Highlanders at the foot of the table.[LNB]Rice believes the entire team have contributed to the turnaround, such has been their work ethic, but knows Steven Pressley and Dani Mallo have been key.[LNB]Pressley, the veteran Scotland assistant coach, has brought leadership to a once leaky defence, while Spanish goalkeeper Mallo exudes a quiet confidence that has aided their cause.[LNB]Ahead of the visit to St Mirren on Saturday, Rice said: "We expected a performance against Hearts at Tynecastle in a Scottish Cup tie.[LNB]"The credit goes to the team, defending starts from the front. The front two (Steve Lovell and Michael Higdon) the last two weeks have been absolutely exceptional, while Carl Finnigan when he came on last weekend did what had to be done.[LNB]"We defend and attack as a team.[LNB]"I don't like singling people out, but Steven and Dani have come into a team that some people said was struggling and they've tightened it up.[LNB]"Steven has come in and done exactly what we thought he would do - organise, encourage and defend properly. Dani has two clean sheets in the last two weeks, so it's been great."[LNB]Falkirk, without Neil McCann due to a hamstring injury this weekend, hope to delay St Mirren's bid for their first win at their new stadium and haul them into the relegation battle.[LNB]The Buddies drew 1-1 with Kilmarnock at the gala opening of St Mirren Park and Rice added: "We know it's really important we take something from the game.[LNB]"We need to keep taking points every Saturday, it doesn't matter who it is. The least we want is a point this weekend.[LNB]"The players must realise the situation we're in. St Mirren, though, will be keen for a first win at their ground."[LNB][LNB]
