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Game date: 18 July 2019

ELSNIK SNUBS BAIRNS

BairnsNews: Mansfield Town have today announced the free agent signing of 21 year-old attacking midfielder Timi Elsnik. This news will be a blow to Falkirk manager Stuniverse who, we understand from club sources, had agreed a deal with Elsnik and his agent. Elsnik played for Falkirk against Stirling University during a one-week trial this summer.

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Game date: Saturday 20th July 2019

Pre-match v Queen of the South (H) - Betfred Cup Group E (2)

Match Preview

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BairnsNews: What happened with Elsnik?

Stuniverse: We had Timi on trial and he played for us against Stirling University. He did very well, we offered him a deal that was acceptable to Timi and his agent, but he wanted time to think about it. Then Mansfield made an offer. The lad had a successful loan spell at Mansfield last season and, even though we offered him more money than Mansfield, Timi opted to go back to Mansfield rather than come to Falkirk. We're disappointed, but we move on.

BairnsNews: A first competitive home game for you against Championship side Queen of the South. What are you expecting?

Stuniverse: First and foremost I'm really looking forward to my first competitive game in Falkirk Stadium. I've heard a lot about the atmosphere and I can't wait to experience it. Queen of the South finished 9th in the Championship last season, above us on goal difference, and survived relegation through the play-offs. It's going to be another tough test for us.

Team Selection

Doubtful:
Declan McManus (thigh - 75 mins)
Michal Doyle (tired)
Calum Macdonald (tired)
Charlie Telfer (tired)

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BairnsNews: Four changes today.

Stuniverse: Yes. These Betfred Cup games come thick and fast and we're still, effectively, in pre-season and the players are working their way up to full fitness. It's important to remember that. David McMillan comes in for Declan McManus who has a bruised thigh. Michael Doyle, Calum Macdonald and Charlie Telfer were looking tired after the Morton game so Lewis Toshney, Paul Dixon and Louis Longridge come in.

Post-match: Falkirk (1) 3-0 (0) Queen of the South

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BairnsNews: Did you enjoy that?

Stuniverse: Oh yes. And then some. I have to thank the Bairns fans for their reception. They were amazing throughout and we're going to need that from them all season long. I thought we controlled the game from start to finish. They never looked like scoring, whereas we were a goal threat for 90+ minutes. Conor Sammon had a header disallowed and, whilst I don't want to say something that might get me into trouble, I have absolutely no idea why it was chalked off.

Ian McShane got us under way with a penalty. Michael Tidser added a second after the break with a long-range thunderbolt. David McMillan made it three. We could and, perhaps, should've scored more.

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BairnsNews: Congratulations, you're top of Group E.

Stuniverse: Thank you. The Board want us to be competitive in the Betfred Cup. I'd say we're competitive [laughs]. Seriously tough, we're only halfway through the Group Stage and we go to Premiership Motherwell next. Let's see where we are after that game.

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Game date: 20 July 2019

FALKIRK TAKEOVER SPECULATION

BairnsNews: The Scottish Football Express have fuelled the speculation surrounding a possible takeover of Falkirk FC by saying the club would need to receive an offer 'truly worthy of consideration' before entering into any talks.

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Game date: 24 July 2019

LONGRIDGE EXTENDS BAIRNS STAY

BairnsNews: Falkirk's 28 year-old attacking midfielder / left winger Louis Longridge has signed a new deal extending his time at the club until the summer of 2021. Longridge's contract was due to expire in January and Bairns manager Stuniverse clearly wasn't prepared to risk losing him midway through the season.

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Game date: Wednesday 24th July 2019

Pre-match v Motherwell (a) - Betfred Cup Group E (3)

Match Preview

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BairnsNews: You've already beaten two teams from a higher division in the Cup and a win today will guarantee you win Group E. Can you do it again, against Premiership opposition this time?

Stuniverse: We played very well against Morton and Queen of the South, but Motherwell represent a significant step-up in quality. That said, we have nothing to lose today and we'll be doing everything we can to try and produce a cup upset.

Team Selection

Doubtful:
Declan McManus (thigh - 75 mins)
Michael Tidser (tired)

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BairnsNews: Two changes today.

Stuniverse: Yes. Michael Tidser hasn't fully recovered from the last game so Charlie Telfer comes in. Calum Macdonald returns for Paul Dixon.

Post-match: Motherwell (0) 0-0 (0) Falkirk
Motherwell win 4-1 on penalties

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BairnsNews: You went toe-to-toe with Motherwell and took it to penalties. How do you sum that one up?

Stuniverse: I wouldn't say it was toe-to-toe, it was definitely a rear-guard action from us but, if it was a league game, we would have got an away point. We rode our luck at times but Motherwell didn't score. I'm immensely proud of the clean sheet today. My players, to a man, were magnificent and we had a couple of opportunities to snatch a winner. I'm not going to blame Charlie Telfer and Conor Sammon. Penalty shootouts are lotteries and they were both brave enough to step-up and take a penalty.

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BairnsNews: With the game going to penalties, Motherwell get two points and you get one. That keeps you in the box seat and if you beat Aidrie, you'll win Group E and qualify for the next round.

Stuniverse: Yes. It's all set-up for a big game when we play Airdrie at Falkirk Stadium. We'll prepare thoroughly and, hopefully, we can get the job done in front of The Bairns fans.

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BairnsNews: Any news on an Assistant Manager joining you at Falkirk?

Stuniverse: I have it in hand, but there's nothing I can confirm right now. Hopefully, we'll have an announcement on that in the next few days.

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Game date: 25 July 2019

TOSHNEY EXTENDS FALKIRK CONTRACT

BairnsNews: 27 year-old defender Lewis Toshney has put pen-to-paper on a new contract that will keep him at Falkirk until the end of the season. Toshney's contract was due to expire in January and clearly Bairns manager Stuniverse didn't want to risk losing Toshney mid-season.

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Game ate: 25 July 2019

LITMANEN NAMED FALKIRK ASSISTANT MANAGER

BairnsNews: Falkirk manager Stuniverse has appointed former Finnish international footballer Jari Litmanen as his assistant manager.

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40 minutes ago, samboing said:

Unlucky vs Motherwell there, not bad going though clean sheet against them, defensively looking good, let’s hope this long continues

Thanks, @samboing. I’ll be honest I didn’t know what to make of the Betfred Group Stage scheduling. Not only was there no time for a proper pre-season, but we had two teams from the division above us in our Group, plus one from two divisions above. In the end, I decided to treat it as if it was pre-season. Now we have one game left to top the Group - ironically against the one team from our own division.

Come on, Ye Bairns!

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Game date: Saturday 27 July 2019

Pre-match v Airdrieonians (H) - Betfred Cup Group E (4)

Match Preview

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BairnsNews: Well this is it. You win against Airdrie and you top Group E and go through to the next round. Can you do it?

Stuniverse: Whatever happens today we can be proud of what we've achieved in the Betfred Cup. Two wins against Championship clubs and a draw then penalty shootout defeat against a Premiership club. It's ironic that it all comes down to a game against rivals from our own division. Airdrie will try and spoil our party, I'm sure, but we've trained well and we want to get the job done in front of our own supporters. Come on, ye Bairns!

Team Selection

Doubtful:
Calum Macdonald (tired)

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BairnsNews: Two changes today.

Stuniverse: Yes. Calum Macdonald was looking a bit tired so Paul Dixon gets the start today. The other change is harsh on David McMillan but, with tired legs after three Cup games in a short period of time, for Airdrie as well as us, we just think Declan McManus's pace may be a telling factor.

Post-match: Falkirk (0) 2-1 (0) Airdrieonians

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BairnsNews: Congratulations. You did it. But you left it late. How are your nerves after that one?

Stuniverse: Yeah, not too bad thanks. That's why we love football though, isn't it? For games like that. It had everything. Aidrie take the lead, against the run of play, about ten minutes before the break. And, fair play to them, it was a good goal. Charlie Telfer has the opportunity to equalise from the penalty spot, just before the break, but their goalkeeper saves it.

After the break, we take the game to them but it doesn't look like being our day until Declan McManus's stunning volley around the hour mark. My players kept going, kept pushing forward, kept working hard and then, 90+6, we get another penalty. Charlie Telfer steps up, having missed the last two, including one earlier in this game, and scores. The referee then found another three minutes from somewhere but we did it. The character and never-say-die spirit of this squad was there for everybody to see and we'll need that this season.

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BairnsNews: Motherwell from the Premiership, Morton and Queen of the South from the Championship, and your Falkirk team won the Group. Congratulations.

Stuniverse: Thank you. The credit needs to go to my players though. They've worked so hard since I got here and they deserve this. I'm so proud of the players and I'm delighted for the supporters.

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BairnsNews: Toshney limped off. How is he?

Stuniverse: Lewis has a tight groin but he should be ok in a few days.

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Game date: 28 July 2019

FALKIRK DRAW RAITH AWAY

BairnsNews: It's an all-Ladbrokes League 1 cup-tie as Falkirk are drawn away to Raith Rovers in the second round of the Betfred Cup.

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Game date: 29 July 2019

BUCHANAN RETAINS CAPTAINCY

BairnsNews: Falkirk manager Stuniverse has retained Gregor Buchanan as Bairns captain and named Morgaro Gomis vice-captain. 

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Game date: 31 July 2019

FALKIRK - AUGUST FIXTURES

BairnsNews: After Falkirk's success in topping the Betfred Cup Group E in July, August sees the start of the Ladbrokes League 1 campaign with The Bairns kicking-off at home to Dumbarton.

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Game date: Saturday 3rd August 2019

Pre-match v Dumbarton (H) - Ladbrokes League 1 (1)

Match Preview

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BairnsNews: Are you ready to get your League 1 campaign underway?

Stuniverse: Yes. Absolutely. We took the Betfred Cup Group Stage seriously and enjoyed the experience, but we know the League is what really matters and what we'll be judged on this season. We want to get this great club back into the Premiership and that starts with promotion to the Championship. That's what's important and the hard work to achieve that starts today.

Team Selection

Doubtful:
Lewis Toshney (groin)

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BairnsNews: Three changes.

Stuniverse: Yes. Michael Doyle returns for Lewis Toshney who has a groin problem. Calum Macdonald returns instead of Paul Dixon. Michael Tidser comes in for Charlie Telfer.

Post-match: Falkirk (0) 1-0 (0) Dumbarton 

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BairnsNews: You left it late, but you got the win in the end. Did you think the goal would never come?

Stuniverse: No. Not at all. I have every confidence in this squad of players and I always believe in our ability to score goals. We saw in the Betfred Cup that we can score goals late in games. As the second half went on, though, we were making tactical changes and substitutions in an attempt to get the breakthrough. I'll admit it was a relief though when Ian McShane finally got the goal for us.

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Game date: Saturday 10th August 2019

Pre-match v Peterhead (a) - Ladbrokes League 1 (2)

Match Preview

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BairnsNews: Like you, Peterhead won their opening match making this is an early top of the table clash.

Stuniverse: It is, yes, but with 35 games left to play it's far too early to know where any team is going to be at the end of the season.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Paul Dixon (hamstring)

Doubtful:
Lewis Toshney (groin)

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BairnsNews: Just one change today.

Stuniverse: Yes. I've gone with David McMillan up front instead of Declan McManus. Paul Dixon pulled a hamstring in training so Gary Miller takes his place on the bench.

Post-match: Peterhead (0) 0-0 (0) Falkirk

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BairnsNews: It wasn't a bore nil-nil draw but a goalless draw nevertheless. How happy are you with the result?

Stuniverse: I thought we did more than enough to win the game but, once again, we didn't get enough shots on target and, when we did, their goalkeeper Greg Fleming denied us. Over a season, I think if you win your home games and draw your away ones for an average of two points a game, you'll be there-or-thereabouts come the end of the season.

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BairnsNews: Nobody has two wins so you're right up there on four points.

Stuniverse: At least we didn't lose ground then, but it's far too early to be fixated on the league table yet.

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Game date: 13 August 2019

GRIVOSTI JOINS FALKIRK ON LOAN

BairnsNews: Falkirk have signed 20 year-old centre-back Tom Grivosti on loan from Ross County until the end of the season.

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Game date: Wednesday 14th August 2019

Pre-match v Clyde (a) - Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup (2nd Round)

Match Preview

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BairnsNews: Another cup-tie but, away to Clyde who are bottom of League 1, one where you have a good chance of progressing?

Stuniverse: I don't want to be disrespectful to Clyde, as I'm sure they will make things difficult for us tonight, but, yes, we're going to do our best to win the cup-tie.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Paul Dixon (hamstring)
Michael Doyle (knee)
Solal Pelmard-Bassi (abdominal)

Doubtful:
Lewis Toshney (groin)

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BairnsNews: Four changes today.

Stuniverse: That's right. Michael Doyle has picked up a knee injury so Lewis Toshney steps in. New signing Tom Grivosti replaces Mark Durnan. Declan McManus gets a run out instead of David McMillan. Robbie Mutch needs playing time so he goes in goal in place of Cammy Bell.

Post-match: Clyde (0) 1-3 (1) Falkirk

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BairnsNews: Congratulations. Did the early red card for Clyde make it easier for you?

Stuniverse: You know, when the opposition go down to ten men it often throws you, particularly as they often feel aggrieved and raise their game. Fortunately goals from Conor Sammon, a brilliant free-kick from Michael Tidser, and Declan McManus won the game, although we did get a bit edgy when they pulled it back to 2-1.

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BairnsNews: Tidser went off injured. What's the prognosis?

Stuniverse: It looks like a groin strain so Michael could be out for up to four weeks.

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Game date: Saturday 17th August 2019

Pre-match v Raith Rovers (a) - Betfred Cup (2nd Round)

Match Preview

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BairnsNews: After your heroics in the Group Stage, an away trip to Raith, who've been struggling in League 1 so far, gives you a chance of progressing?

Stuniverse: We're expecting a very tough game against Raith today. We've only played two league games so far which makes it far too early to suggest they're struggling. Raith have some very good players and it won't be an easy game for us.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Michael Tidser (groin)
Solal Pelmard-Bassi (abdominal)

Doubtful:
Paul Dixon (hamstring-75 mins)

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BairnsNews: Two changes.

Stuniverse: Yes. Charlie Telfer comes in for injured Michael Tidser. Cammy Bell returns in goal for Robbie Mutch.

Post-match: Raith Rovers (1) 1-3 (0) Falkirk

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BairnsNews: You're through to the Quarter-Finals. For saying you were 1-0 down, and had to play almost 55 minutes with ten men, how happy are you with that?

Stuniverse: I'm not happy about Calum Macdonald's swinging elbow; I can't condone or defend that. But, in a strange way, it was the making of us in this game. Up to that point, I thought Raith were the better team but we rose to the challenge before the break and in the second half, after we'd reorganised, I thought we were much the better team. Ian McShane scored a sensational free-kick to equalise. Declan McManus put us in front and, two minutes later, Charlie Telfer sealed it from the penalty spot.

BairnsNews: Longridge looked in trouble when he went off. How is he?

Stuniverse: Louis twisted his knee, but we're hopeful he'll be ok in about a week.

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Game date: 18 August 2019

QUARTER-FINAL HOME TO ROSS COUNTY

BairnsNews: Falkirk have been drawn at home to Premiership Ross County in the quarter-final of the Betfred Cup.

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Game date: Saturday 24th August 2019

Pre-match v East Fife (a) - Ladbrokes League 1 (3)

Match Preview

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BairnsNews: East Fife are currently top of League 1, three points ahead of you having played a game more. Can you draw level on points with them?

Stuniverse: We can if we win, yes. Clearly, East Fife are playing very well at the moment, but we are as well. It has the makings of a really good game. We're confident of getting a result and we'll be giving it our best shot.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Calum Macdonald (suspended)
Michael Tidser (groin)
Solal Pelmard-Bassi (abdominal)

Doubtful:
Conor Sammon (hamstring)
Paul Dixon (hamstring-75 mins)

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BairnsNews: Two changes.

Stuniverse: Yes. Michael Doyle plays at left-back, because Calum Macdonald is suspended and Paul Dixon isn't fully fit following his hamstring injury. Dave McMillan starts up front with Conor Sammon having picked up a hamstring injury in training.

Post-match: East Fife (1) 1-1 (0) Falkirk

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BairnsNews: You narrowly avoided defeat with a late, late equaliser from Sammon.

Stuniverse: Yes. We did. It was a fantastic moment when Conor Sammon slotted the equaliser home on 90+2 minutes because, being perfectly frank, we didn't deserve anything from the game. I thought East Fife played very well and I'd be fuming if I was Darren Young. Injuries and suspensions didn't help us, even Conor shouldn't really have played, but I felt we needed his presence in the second half and it was worth the risk as our medical team had cleared him to play. But that's me making excuses and I don't like doing that.

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BairnsNews: You've dropped to 5th but, if you win your game-in-hand, you'll be level on points with East Fife at the top.

Stuniverse: We've only played three games and have 33 left to play so it's much too soon to start worrying about situations like that. 

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2 hours ago, JaytheGreat said:

Falkirk on an early tear under Stuniverse.

Thanks, @JaytheGreat. It’s been a good start so far and I’m generally happy, although we are struggling a bit to get shots on target and score goals. Defensively, we look very solid.

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Game date: 31 August 2019

MOORE RETURNS TO HEARTS

BairnsNews: Falkirk have cancelled the loan of Hearts 21 year-old left-sided player Lewis Moore

Moore failed to make an appearance for The Bairns and Falkirk manager Stuniverse clearly thought the £500 per week salary could be better spent elsewhere.

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Game date: Saturday 31st August 2019

Pre-match v Stranraer (a) - Ladbrokes League 1 (4)

Match Preview

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BairnsNews: Stranraer were predicted to be relegation candidates, but they've started well, are currently 2nd, and beat Montrose 4-0 last time out. What are you expecting today?

Stuniverse: We're away from home and that, in itself, makes for a difficult game. Stranraer are on a good run of form which makes it even harder as their players and the home crowd will be well up for the game. But we're in good form ourselves, have prepared and trained well, and we're confident of getting a result.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Michael Tidser (groin)
Ross MacLean (shin)

Doubtful:
Paul Dixon (hamstring-45 mins)
Conor Sammon (hamstring)
Louis Longridge (knee)
Tom Grivosti (blisters)

L4_Stranraer_selection.thumb.png.d78b977302f29d96522ef60996d0e0ee.png

BairnsNews: Two changes today.

Stuniverse: Yes. Tom Grivosti has blisters so Mark Durnan returns to the defence. Michael Doyle played out of position at left-back last time out. Paul Dixon (hamstring) still isn't ready to start so Calum Macdonald comes straight back in after serving his suspension. I hope Calum's learnt his lesson because I couldn't condone or defend his swinging elbow that earnt him a red card against Raith.

Post-match: Stranraer (0) 1-0 (0) Falkirk

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BairnsNews: How do you explain that match?

Stuniverse: Look, I don't think we got the rub of the green today. I thought our overall play was very good but, once again, we were unable to get enough shots on target. But it's tough when decisions don't go your way. We had two goals ruled out for offside. Sure, the first one was a tight call, but David McMillan was clearly onside for the second. Either of those goals gives us the lead and, as we saw when Stranraer scored, the first goal of any game is vitally important and it gives the side that scored a boost that raises their game. We go back to the training ground and work harder and, hopefully, we'll get some of our walking wounded back soon to help us out as well.

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BairnsNews: Talking of walking wounded, Macdonald limped off with what looked like an ankle injury.

Stuniverse: Yes, Calum's sprained ankle ligaments we think. It'll probably be a month before he can play again.

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BairnsNews: That's your first defeat of the season, penalty shootout aside, but it leaves you 7th in the table. Are you worried at all?

Stuniverse: I'd like to be higher up the table, of course I would, but it's early days and I have a lot of confidence in this squad. We kicked-off the league at home and then had three consecutive away games, let's see where we are after a similar run of home games. We also have a game-in-hand which, if we win it, the league table looks a lot healthier. There's a long way to go yet, a lot of games to play and points to be won. I'm not worried at all. We've played 10 competitive games so far this season, some against teams from higher divisions, and this is the only one we've lost over 90 minutes so we're not doing too badly in the overall scheme of things.

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Game date: 1 September 2019

FALKIRK - SEPTEMBER FIXTURES

BairnsNews: The Bairns will play four League 1 fixtures in September, all at home, plus the Quarter-Final of the Betfred Cup and the Third Round of the Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup.

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Game date: 1 September 2019

BAIRNS BOARD PLEASED WITH STUNIVERSE

BairnsNews understand from unnamed sources at the club that the Board are pleased with Stuniverse's performance as manager so far.

--

Monthly Manager Performance Review

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Player Dynamics

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Finances

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Game date: 1 September 2019

STUNIVERSE WARNED BY FA

BairnsNews: Falkirk manager Stuniverse has been warned by the FA after reacting badly to having two goals disallowed for offside in The Bairns first league defeat of the season at Stranraer.

0109209_FA_warning.thumb.png.dafcae71bcfc696099fb3619d47454c7.png

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Game date: 1 September 2019

HECTOR-INGRAM JOINS BAIRNS

BairnsNews: One in and none out for Falkirk on transfer deadline day. The Bairns signed 20 year-old, former West Ham striker, Jahmal Hector-Ingram on loan from Derby County until the end of the season.

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Game date1 September 2019

TRANSFER WINDOW CLOSES

BairnsNews: Falkirk were incredibly busy this summer transfer window bringing in an incredible 20 players and offloading 14.

The majority of that transfer business was done by former manager Ray McKinnon.

Current Falkirk manager Stuniverse signed five players (three loans, two permanent) and signed-off on the deal that took Aidan Laverty to BSC Glasgow.

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Game date: Tuesday 3rd September 2019

Pre-match v Clyde (H) - Ladbrokes League 1 (5)

Match Preview

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BairnsNews: Tonight you play your game-in-hand, against Clyde who are currently in the relegation zone. Since you won at Clyde 3-1 earlier in the season in the Challenge Cup, this must be a great opportunity to get the Stranraer defeat out of your system.

Stuniverse: I still maintain we played quite well at Stranraer but it just wasn't our day. That happens in football sometimes. We're creating plenty of chances, but not getting enough on target. We worked on our shooting in training because we need to test the opposition goalkeeper more than we have been doing. Hopefully, tonight, we'll see an improvement. 

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Calum Macdonald (ankle)
Michael Tidser (groin)

Doubtful:
Paul Dixon (hamstring-45 mins)
Ross MacLean (shin)
Tom Grivosti (blisters)
Conor Sammon (hamstring)
Louis Longridge (knee)

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BairnsNews: How's the injury list looking?

Stuniverse: Well Calum MacDonald (ankle) has added to it and a couple of players are having to start tonight when, in an ideal world, we wouldn't risk them: Paul Dixon (hamstring) for Calum and Conor Sammon (hamstring) for David McMillan. There's two other changes with Michael Doyle for Lewis Toshney and Aidan Connolly for Louis Longridge (knee).

Post-match: Falkirk (0) 2-2 (1) Clyde

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BairnsNews: You looked to have that game won with less than 10 minutes to go. How disappointed are you?

Stuniverse: Very. We worked so hard, after falling behind, to get ourselves into a winning position late on that to switch-off and concede an equaliser within a minute of taking the lead was bitterly disappointing. The game kind of summed up our season so far. We dominated possession and created far more chances, but didn't get anywhere near enough attempts on target. Then we fall behind after half an hour to their first serious attacking move. It was great for Gary Miller and Jahmal Hector-Ingram to score on their debuts but we should've won that game.

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BairnsNews: That's your game-in-hand played and you're 6th. Any thoughts?

Stuniverse: It's still early days but, as a squad, our aim is to gain automatic promotion so we need to start improving our results and soon.

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Game date: Tuesday 7th September 2019

Pre-match v Annan Athletic (H) - Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Challeng Cup (3rd Round)

Match Preview

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BairnsNews: After some inconsistent league form, is it a relief to be playing a League 2 side in the Cup today?

Stuniverse: No, not at all. Today's is a different kind of game. We're in a no-win situation really because if we win, everyone will say we should've done and, if we lose, it'll be a giant-killing by Annan. I'm sure Annan would love to do that so we need to be on our game and doing better in the final third than we have done recently.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Calum Macdonald (ankle)

Doubtful:
Michael Tidser (groin-60)
Tom Grivosti (blisters)
Conor Sammon (hamstring)

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BairnsNews: Just one change.

Stuniverse: Yes. Tom Grivosti has recovered from his blisters enough to pass a fitness test and comes in for Mark Durnan.

Post-match: Falkirk (1) 4-1 (1) Annan Athletic

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BairnsNews: That was more like it.

Stuniverse: It was, we had a much higher percentage of attempts on target this game and really worked their goalkeeper. Four goals: two penalties from Charlie Telfer, a goal from Aidan Connolly, and an outrageous free-kick from Ian McShane. And we could've had more, we hit the post twice before we scored, and Charlie was denied a hat-trick of penalties by their goalkeeper.

We had a worrying period at the end of the first-half when a stray bass pass from Conor Sammon gifted them an equalising goal, as it was at the time, and we lost our way for the rest of the half. Fortunately, we settled them down at the break and were much better in the second half.

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Game date: 8 September 2019

AWAY TO CHAMPIONSHIP OPPOSITION

BairnsNews: Falkirk will be able to test themselves against Championship opposition after being drawn away to either Ayr United or Partick Thistle in the Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup Fourth Round.

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Game date: 10 September 2019

BELL OUT FOR MONTHS

BairnsNews: Falkirk were dealt a massive blow today when their #1 goalkeeper Cammy Bell dislocated a shoulder in training.

Robbie Mutch will deputise with Solal Pelmard-Bassi as back-up.

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Game date: 13 September 2019

JEFFERIES QUESTIONS STRUGGLING FALKIRK

BairnsNews: Former Bairns manager Jim Jefferies has questioned struggling Falkirk in an interview with GOAL.

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24 minutes ago, Stuniverse said:

Game date: 13 September 2019

JEFFERIES QUESTIONS STRUGGLING FALKIRK

BairnsNews: Former Bairns manager Jim Jefferies has questioned struggling Falkirk in an interview with GOAL.

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Well thanks Jim Jefferies, don’t listen to him @Stuniverse it’ll come together soon enough, and bad luck with Bell being out for so long, I’m sure the back ups will be fine though 

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13 minutes ago, samboing said:

Well thanks Jim Jefferies, don’t listen to him @Stuniverse it’ll come together soon enough, and bad luck with Bell being out for so long, I’m sure the back ups will be fine though 

Thanks, @samboing, I hope you're right.

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Game date: Saturday 14th September 2019

Pre-match v Airdrieonians (H) - Ladbrokes League 1 (6)

Match Preview

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BairnsNews: You beat Airdrie 2-1 in the Betfred Cup just over a month ago. Can you get another victory today and go above them in the league table?

Stuniverse: That's the aim. We look to win every game we play and today is no exception. If we play as I know we're capable of playing then I'm confident of getting a positive result.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Cammy Bell (dislocated shoulder)
Calum Macdonald (ankle)
Sam Dryden (hernia)

Doubtful:
Michael Tidser (knee-75)
Denny Johnstone (knee)
Tom Grivosti (blisters)

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BairnsNews: How bad a blow is losing Bell with a dislocated shoulder?

Stuniverse: Cammy is our number one goalkeeper and was in excellent form so it's a massive blow. But there's nothing we can do about it except trust our medical team to get Cammy back as quickly as they can. Robbie Mutch takes the gloves and we have complete confidence in him. There's no other changes from the team that defeated Annan in the Challenge Cup.

Post-match: Falkirk (1) 2-1 (0) Airdrieonians

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BairnsNews: A good win today. What are your thoughts?

Stuniverse: I agree. It was a very good win for us and much needed. I thought my players worked very hard, stuck to the task, and found a way to win. I don't think anybody could argue that we were the better side and deserved the win. We took the lead in the first half through Aidan Connolly. Robbie Mutch came in and made a couple of fine saves and he had no chance with Euan O'Reilly's world class strike, I doubt any goalie in the world saves that thunderbolt. But I was proud of my players because it would've been easy for heads to drop after a stunning equaliser like that, but they didn't let their heads drop, they kept going, kept trying to do the right things, and Louis Longridge's winner meant we got the three points we deserved.

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BairnsNews: The win takes you to within two points of top spot.

Stuniverse: There you go. There's a long way to go yet, lots of games still to be played, and it's far too early to be analysing the outcome of every single round of fixtures.

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BairnsNews: You'll play Patrick in the Challenge Cup after they beat Ayr today.

Stuniverse: Thanks, but we don't play the next round until next month. We'll focus on Partick nearer the time.


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Game date: Sunday 22nd September 2019

Pre-match v Raith Rovers (H) - Ladbrokes League 1 (7)

Match Preview

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BairnsNews: At the start of the season Raith were second favourites, behind you and, before yesterday's games, they were top, two points ahead of you. If you beat Raith today, as you did at their place in the Betfred Cup, you'll go above them into second, if not first place. This would be a great time to get that win and send a message to the entire division, wouldn't it?

Stuniverse: It would, yes. But things change very quickly in this division where anybody can take points off anybody it seems, at least that's the way it's shaping up so far. If I remember correctly, ahead of that Betfred cup-tie you told me Raith were struggling, now they're doing very well. As I said back then, Raith are a very good team with some very good players but yes, we believe we can win again, we're confident of winning again, but it won't be an easy game for us, that's for sure.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Cammy Bell (dislocated shoulder)
Calum Macdonald (ankle)
Sam Dryden (hernia)

Doubtful:
Conor Sammon (thigh-90)
Michael Tidser (groin-90)
Denny Johnstone (knee)

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BairnsNews: Just the one change today.

Stuniverse: Yes. Louis Longridge comes in for Ian McShane. This was a really, tough call as Ian has been playing very well and doesn't deserve to drop out.

BairnsNews: Does the inclusion of two wide men in Longridge and Connolly signal a change in formation and system?

Stuniverse: You'll have to wait and see.

Post-match: Falkirk (0) 1-0 (0) Raith Rovers

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BairnsNews: In what was a big game between the two favourites for promotion you changed to a traditional 4-4-2 and came out on top?

Stuniverse: Yes. Yeah. To be fair, Aidan Connolly and Louis Longridge have stepped up in recent weeks and have performed very well. We'd been struggling somewhat in recent weeks, and I thought including them both from the start, and playing with more width, might help us create more chances. Today, it did.

It was a tight game and, I think, it was always going to be a tight game. Having said that, I thought we controlled the game possession wise, and created more chances, and were on top for 70 minutes or so. We hit the bar in the first half and then Declan McManus gave us the lead within a minute of the restart. That was a massive lift for us. To be fair to Raith, they really gave it a go in the last 15, 20 minutes but we defended magnificently and limited them to very few chances. I'm thrilled with the win, proud of the players, and delighted for the Bairns fans.

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BairnsNews: The win takes you second behind East Fife on goal difference alone. You must be pleased with that?

Stuniverse: Yes. But as I said when we were lower in the league, there's a long, long way to go yet. We haven't played everybody once yet, and we need to play everybody four times before the campaign is over.

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Game date: Wednesday 25th September 2019

Pre-match v Ross County (H) - Betfred Cup Quarter-Final

Match Preview

BC_QF_Ross_preview.thumb.png.63a490ce0128af52e11ebe993e246ebd.png

BairnsNews: When you were appointed Falkirk manager, did you think you'd be managing The Bairns in the Betfred Cup quarter-final?

Stuniverse: No. But I am and it's all credit to the players. There's a lot of ability in this squad, there's a lot of character, and there's an amazing spirit as well. We're not going to be phased by Premiership Ross County. We're at home, at Falkirk Stadium, and with The Bairns fans behind us we believe we're going to make it to the semi-final. Ross County are favourites, and rightly so, but I'll tell you this, if Ross County want to be in the semi-final then they'll need to play at their very best to do it.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Declan McManus (ineligible)
Tom Grivosti (ineligible)
Cammy Bell (dislocated shoulder)
Calum Macdonald (ankle)
Sam Dryden (hernia)

Doubtful:
Conor Sammon (thigh-90)

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BairnsNews: Three changes tonight.

Stuniverse: Two of them are enforced as Tom Grivosti and Declan McManus can't play against their parent club, Mark Durnan and David McMillan come in. Michael Tidser (groin) returns from injury for Charlie Telfer.

Post-match: Falkirk (4) 6-1 (0) Ross County

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BairnsNews: Wow! Congratulations! What have I just witnessed?

Stuniverse: Thank you. That was my players playing at their very best. They were magnificent to a man and then some. I know I spoke confidently before the game, and it wasn't mere bravado because I do have tremendous confidence in this squad of players, but in my wildest dreams I didn't expect to be 4-0 up after 21 minutes against Premiership opposition. Honestly, I don't think Ross County knew what hit them, we blew them away.

Six goals, six different goal scorers - Michael Tidser, Louis Longridge, Aidan Connolly, Conor Sammon, Charlie Telfer and Jahmal Hector-Ingram, plus Jahmal had one chalked off for offside.

This one's for the Bairns fans. We all hope they'll savour it for a long, long time.

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Game date: Saturday 28th September 2019

Pre-match v Forfar Athletic (H) - Ladbrokes League 1 (8)

Match Preview

L8_Forfar_preview.thumb.png.1ca73e4eef605c33232bd9bff231ea40.png

BairnsNews: Forfar are 9th in the league but I guess you're hoping today isn't a case of 'After the Lord Mayor's Show'.

Stuniverse: We were magnificent in the week against Ross County but we know the league, and getting promoted to the Championship, is what this season is all about. The players have been focussed in training and I'm not expecting any hangover.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Denny Johnstone (knee)
Cammy Bell (dislocated shoulder)
Sam Dryden (hernia)

Doubtful:
Calum Macdonald (ankle-45)

L8_Forfar_selection.thumb.png.0755b091ba088ab709d796f654984523.png

BairnsNews: You've made one change from the Ross County match.

Stuniverse: Yes. Jahmal Hector-Ingram comes in for David McMillan. It was a tough call, with Declan McManus eligible again, but I felt Jahmal deserved the start after his impressive display as a substitute in the cup-tie.

Post-match: Falkirk (1) 2-0 (0) Forfar Athletic

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BairnsNews: Quite a comprehensive victory, you hardly gave Forfar a sniff.

Stuniverse: Yes. We were in control from start to finish. Jahmal Hector-Ingram settled our nerves with a well-taken goal, showing what a natural finisher he is, and Conor Sammon gave us some breathing space from the penalty spot.

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BairnsNews: The win keeps you second, on the same points and goal difference as East Fife, only they've scored more goals.

Stuniverse: It's still far too early to worry about things like that.

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10 minutes ago, kidthekid said:

Incredible result.

Thanks, @kidthekid. I couldn't believe what I was seeing in the opening 21 minutes (4-0 up against Ross County by then). For saying we've struggled all season to get shots on target, in this game every time we attacked we looked like scoring. And this against a Premiership team.

In the early part of the season I didn't particularly rate Aidan Connolly and Louis Longridge and deliberately went for a narrow formation that didn't require wingers or wide midfielders. How ironic then, that we're getting success and looking a much better team playing this system:

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