Source: Team_Talk
Bryson has Bairns rooted to bottom
Bryson struck in the 58th minute with a powerful drive to give the visitors a five-point cushion over their opponents.[LNB]Kilmarnock did not have it all their own way, however, as they survived a bright start by the hosts that saw Marc Twaddle and Carl Finnigan waste decent chances.[LNB]Reduced admission prices ensured a larger than normal turn-out and created a vibrant atmosphere.[LNB]The hosts went close to breaking the deadlock as early as the second minute. Colin Healy's corner was not dealt with by the Kilmarnock defence and Twaddle flashed a shot just wide of Cammy Bell's post from 12 yards.[LNB]Towering striker Enoch Showunmi then got on the end of Twaddle's lofted cross but the former Leeds player's tame header bounced harmlessly off target.[LNB]In a bright start by Eddie May's side, Carl Finnigan had a shot across goal palmed behind by the outstretched Bell after the marksman drove into the box.[LNB]Kilmarnock were struggling to get to grips with their opponents' slick passing as the home outfit dominated the early exchanges.[LNB]However, Falkirk were dealt a blow when midfielder Vitor Lima limped off injured in the 18th minute and was replaced by Burton O'Brien.[LNB]The hosts were then nearly punished for a lapse in concentration at a short corner which culminated in Manuel Pascali's close-range header being tipped over by Robert Olejnik from Bryson's deep delivery in the 20th minute.[LNB]Kilmarnock were dealt an injury blow of their own on the half hour mark when captain Pascali was taken from the pitch on a stretcher following a challenge, with Jamie Hamill his replacement.[LNB]Falkirk were not able to maintain their high-tempo start to the game as Kilmarnock gradually exerted their influence on the bottom-of-the-table encounter.[LNB]May's side enjoyed some success in floating long balls into Showunmi but were becoming predictable in their approach play as Killie pounced to clear the striker's flick-ons.[LNB]Kilmarnock lacked ingenuity in the final third although Tim Clancy worked a one-two with Chris Maguire on the edge of the area before mis-hitting a poor shot goal ward that was easily picked up Olejnik.[LNB]The Bairns began the second half well, with Carl Finnigan heading wide from Showunmi's cross.[LNB]Just seconds later, though, Falkirk goalkeeper Robert Olejnik was called upon to deny Liam Kelly from close range.[LNB]Bryson then powered forward and teed up Kelly inside the box but the midfielder hit his effort straight at the goalkeeper.[LNB]The Ayrshire side were proving more direct after the break and Olejnik made another good block from Maguire's 18-yard stinging shot following Kevin Kyle's flick-on.[LNB]Kyle and Falkirk defender Brian McLean were both able to continue following a clash of heads that required treatment from their respective physios.[LNB]McLean had a bigger headache in the 58th minute when Kilmarnock took the lead.[LNB]Maguire did brilliantly to hold the ball up at the corner before flicking a pass into the area for the supporting Bryson.[LNB]Olejnik got a hand to the midfielder's low near-post shot but could not keep it out.[LNB]Falkirk manager May threw on Pedro Moutinho for Showunmi with 20 minutes left as the Bairns sought to salvage a point.[LNB]The players tried to stick to their passing game but it was not easy on a rugged surface.[LNB]Despite Falkirk pressing for an equaliser, Kilmarnock were next to register an attempt on target when Kyle rose high at the back post to meet Bryson's free-kick but the Scotland cap's header fell into the arms of Olejnik.[LNB]With Showunmi watching on from the bench, Falkirk had no late success in launching high balls into the area.[LNB]Kilmarnock utilised their final substitution with five minutes left by bringing on Conor Sammon for goalscorer Bryson.[LNB][LNB]
