John McGlynn anticipates an ‘absolute cracker’ as Falkirk prepare for Hibernian

Falkirk manager John McGlynn is anticipating an “absolute cracker” against Hibernian next weekend after a 1-0 win over Motherwell kept his side in the hunt for a European place.

Henry Cartwright netted the only goal in the 63rd minute – moments after coming off the bench – as Falkirk made it 10 William Hill Premiership points against the Steelmen this season.

The result left Motherwell six points above Hibs in fourth, but Falkirk are now just two adrift of David Gray’s side with fifth place potentially offering a route into Europe.

McGlynn said: “I think we had the better chances. Barney (Stewart) on another day could have scored three or four himself. So we’re delighted to win.

“We’ve got the greatest respect for Motherwell. They’re a cracking team, play amazing football and you need to be on your toes.

“I thought the first half was like basketball. It was just like, we attack, they attack, we attack, they attack. How it was 0-0 at half-time was quite disappointing, actually.

“It was kind of like heart attack material. To be fair, I thought it was great intensity in the game.

“Nicky (Hogarth) had one brilliant save in the first half, didn’t have much to do in the second half.

“From our point of view, it’s a great goal.

“Who knows, could be we’re trying to jump Hibs over the next three games if we can. You just continuously move challenges, and the challenge was, can we get above Hibs? So, at the moment, it’s on for next week to be an absolute cracker.”

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou admitted his side had not hit their usual high standards.

“Very, very difficult first half,” he said. “At times for both teams, extremely open, transition on transition, because none of the teams were really good enough at taking advantage of all the space they got going forward.

“Losing the ball, then it’s the other way, then it’s back and forward.

“We really tried to lift our game for the second half.

“I think in many ways we did that, but we weren’t able to use all the space that was actually there and that’s the most disappointing thing for me.”

Askou was booked for complaining after referee Dan McFarlane took no action when Finn Yeats appeared to catch Elliot Watt with an elbow at a high ball.

“I think it’s better that I don’t say anything about anything,” the Dane said when asked about the incident.

“There were plenty of things to be frustrated about that had nothing to do with my players and as I’ve said many times, it’s not an excuse not to try and do our best and try to make our best even better.

“I’m just happy that no one lost their head from our side and I’m actually quite proud about that.”