HAVING failed to hit the net in three games, Falkirk ended their drought with four minutes of Saturday's game against Inverness Caledonian Thistle remaining, Republic of Ireland Under-21 internationalist Billy Clarke netting his first goal for the Bairns.
John Hughes' side chalked up a victory which takes them a step closer to a top-six SPL finish.
"We have to keep moving forward and make sure we don't stagnate," said Hughes.
"It's easy for the players to slip into end-of-season mode and bec
ome a bit lethargic but we've got a lot still to be played for. Finishing in the top six will give us a major cash boost and will help in our planning for next season so I'm delighted that the three points we've gained will take us one step closer.
"There wasn't a great deal between the two sides today and it took an injection of inspiration from Russell Latapy and Arnau Riera to put us onto the front foot and it was a great time to score a goal. Billy's waited patiently for his chance and his goal today puts him in contention for a starting place against Hearts next week."
The game certainly had an end of season feel to it as both teams struggled to perform in the sunshine but the introduction of Latapy early in the second half proved decisive, the Caribbean midfielder driving forward in the closing stages to set up fellow substitute Clarke, the on-loan Ipswich Town frontman gleefully guiding his shot beyond Caley keeper Michael Fraser.
The full article contains 270 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
