A stunning stoppage time 25-yard free kick from Enes Alić saw ten-man Saints earn a deserved point against Falkirk at McDiarmid Park this afternoon.
The first half was a goalless affair however, Taylor Steven had two good opportunities to break the deadlock but was denied by Bairns keeper Scott Bain. Firstly, the Saints midfielder saw his effort from the edge of the box tipped over by Bain and then the Scotland internationalist denied Steven by stretching out a leg to deflect a shot onto the crossbar.
Saints were reduced to ten men 8 minutes into the second half when Cheick Diabate was shown a red card after picking up a second booking for hauling down Ethan Ross.
Falkirk took the lead on the hour mark when Ross curled a fine finish beyond Toby Steward after some good work down the left by Owen Eames.
Saints fought back though and found an equaliser deep into the 5 minutes of stoppage time courtesy of Alić’s superb free kick.
Saints now go into the international break in sixth place in the William Hill Premiership with 8 points after seven games.
Saints are back in action on Sunday 11th October when they head to the north-east to take on Aberdeen at Pittodrie, kick off 2pm.
MATCH REPORT
Saints welcomed Falkirk to McDiarmid Park this afternoon for their final William Hill Premiership match before the international break. There were two changes to the Saints starting eleven which started the 1-0 defeat to Celtic ten days ago as Daniel Finlayson and Matty Todd both dropped to the bench and were replaced by Zach Mitchell and Liam Smith. A second half strike from on-loan Derby County midfielder Owen Eames earned Falkirk victory against Hearts Tuesday evening as they defeated the Jambos 2-1. Falkirk manager John McGlynn made one change to the side which started at the Falkirk Stadium in midweek as Deniss Meļņiks came in to replace former Saints player Lewis Neilson who dropped to the bench.
It was a sunny and windy afternoon in Perth as Taylor Steven got the match underway for Saints. The opening to the match was an even affair with both teams battling for control and searching for the breakthrough.
Falkirk created a good chance on 13 minutes as Leon McCann broke down the left channel and sent over a cross which was cut out by Jason Holt for a corner.
On 19 minutes Saints created a good chance to break the deadlock as Holt laid the ball back to Reece McAlear and the midfielder sent a good long ball forward which was gathered by Josh Fowler. The Saints forward did well to hold the ball up under pressure before picking out Steven on the edge of the Bairns box however, the midfielder’s strike was tipped over for a corner by Scott Bain. Then 4 minutes later Saints got another sight of goal as Enes Alić cut the ball back to Holt however, his deflected shot was easily gathered by Bain.
PHOTO: Taylor Steven’s shot is saved by Scott Bain
A well worked move by the visitors on 26 minutes saw the ball worked to Ben Krauhaus on the edge of the box however, the low strike from the on-loan Brentford attacking midfielder was saved by Toby Steward.
With 9 minutes of the first half remaining Saints created a great chance to take the lead. A brilliant through ball from McAlear played in Steven however, Bain came out quickly to narrow the angle and made a good save as he deflected the ball off his foot as it looped up to hit the crossbar.
Falkirk were next to create a chance on 38 minutes as Ryan Strain saw his low strike from a corner saved by Steward. Then 2 minutes later the Bairns threatened again as Jacob Murrell was played in by Krauhaus, but the forward blazed his effort wide of the target.
The closing stages to the first half was an open affair and Saints were next up to create an opportunity to break the deadlock. On 41 minutes Fowler twisted and turned on the edge the box before laying the ball back to McAlear, but he couldn’t find the target with his first-time effort.
PHOTO: Taylor Steven holds his head after his strike is deflected onto the crossbar by Scott Bain
Played quickly switched to the other end and a minute later Ethan Ross got a sight of goal however, his shot was saved by Steward. Then on the stroke of half time the Bairns were awarded a free kick just outside the box after Ross drew the foul from Cheick Diabate, who was booked by referee Calum Scott. The free kick was taken by Finley Barbrook however, his effort hit the Saints wall before going behind for a corner.
Saints were reduced to ten men 8 minutes into the second half after Diabate was sent off after picking up a second yellow card for a foul on Ross. Saints then quickly looked to the bench as they brought on Daniel Finlayson to replace Josh Campbell to fill the gap left by Diabate’s dismissal.
The Bairns then looked to take advantage of the extra man as on 55 minutes Krauhaus saw his strike deflected for a corner. Then on the hour mark the visitors found the breakthrough. Owen Eames raced down the left channel to the byeline before cutting the ball back to Ross who sent a curling effort beyond Steward and into the net from the edge of the box.
PHOTO: Cheick Diabate is sent off
Saints then made a double change as Ruari Paton and Sam Stanton came on to replace Reece McAlear and Jason Holt.
On 68 minutes Saints were awarded a free kick after Fowler was fouled by Deniss Meļņiks. Alić stepped up to take the free kick however, his strike was saved by Bain. Saints were having a good spell in the game and a minute later Paton sent a dangerous ball into the box from the left which was cut out for a corner by Meļņiks.
The pressure from Saints continued and on 70 minutes Stanton’s cross from the right picked out Paton but his volley was saved by Bain.
Simo Valakari then made another change as Danny Schmidt came on to replace Zach Mitchell who had picked up a knock.
PHOTO: Ruari Paton’s volley is saved by Scott Bain
Falkirk were dangerous going forward and on 78 minutes substitute CJ Fodrey played in Strain down the right who flashed a low delivery across the Saints goalmouth however, no one could get on the end of the cross as Saints cleared the danger. Then with 8 minutes remaining Fodrey unleashed a strike at goal which was saved by Steward.
Saints continued to push for an equaliser and shortly after Steven was fouled out wide on the left by Strain. Paton took the resultant free kick however, his delivery into the visitor’s box was punched clear by Bain.
5 minutes was added on at the end of the second half and deep into stoppage time Saints were awarded a free kick in an inviting position after Steven was fouled by Aodhan Doherty. Following discussions with Paton and Schmidt, Alić took the free kick and the left-back unleashed a brilliant strike from 25 yards into the top corner of the net to score a dramatic late equaliser for Saints.
PHOTO: Enes Alić scores to make it 1-1
PHOTO: Enes Alić celebrates his dramatic stoppage time equaliser
Saints: Steward, Alić, Diabate, Mitchell (Schmidt 77’), Steven, Holt (Stanton 65’), Fowler, Finlayson, Todd, Cotterill, Campbell (Finlayson 55’), McAlear (Paton 65’)
Unused Substitutes: Sinclair (GK), Foulds, Fotheringham, Tait, Todd
Booked: Diabate, Paton, Alić
Sent Off: Diabate
Scorer: Alić (90’+6)
Falkirk: Bain, McCann, Henderson, Spencer, Barbrook (Sibbald 67’), Meļņiks, Strain, Ross (Fodrey 75’), Murrell (MacIver 67’), Krauhaus (McMillan 89’), Eames (Doherty 75’)
Unused Substitutes: Hogarth (GK), Parkinson, Neilson, Tanser
Booked: None
Scorer: Ross (60’)
Referee: Calum Scott
VAR: Steven McLean
Attendance: 5,875
Match Report by Daryl Scott
Picture: Enes Alić celebrates his goal
