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Falkirk come from behind twice to get the point against Dundee United

Falkirk come from behind twice to get the point against Dundee United

Leader Live9 hours ago
The Bairns fans watched the Championship flag being unfurled on the pitch before the game, marking their return to the top flight after a 15-year absence but against the general run of play Max Watters scored his first United goal in the 39th minute with a terrific volley from 14 yards.
Dylan Tait levelled in the 50th minute with a fine finish but Ivan Dolcek restored the Tannadice side's lead in the 71st minute, with his first counter for United – only for home defender Ethan Ross to level with a deflected strike two minutes later. A share of the spoils was probably the correct outcome.
Falkirk, unchanged, began the game unbeaten in their four Premier Sports Cup games this season.
Jim Goodwin's side had won through to the Conference League third qualifiers with a 2-0 aggregate win over Luxembourg side UNA Strassen on Thursday night.
Kristijan Trapanovski and Will Ferry missed out through injury, with Watters and Isaac Pappoe, the midfielder on loan from Ferencvaros, taking over.
Falkirk, so comfortable on their artificial surface, immediately had United on the back foot, albeit failing to really test visiting goalkeeper Yevhen Kucherenko.
The free-flowing Bairns kept pushing forward and in the 20th minute left-back Leon McCann's whipped in cross from the left arrived at Calvin Miller at the back post via a Brian Graham flick but he could not redirect his header towards goal.
Kucherenko caused another scare when he was closed down by Ross as he aimed to clear but the ball bounced wide.
United had a terrific chance to score on the break in the 26th minute but unmarked Watters' header from a Panutche Camara cross was too tame to unduly bother former Celtic keeper Scott Bain.
However, the Taysiders forged ahead following a driving run into the left channel by former Falkirk midfielder Craig Sibbald, whose cross was repelled by Bairns defender Liam Henderson but only to on-loan Barnsley forward Watters, who thrashed the ball behind the helpless Bain.
The second half continued in an open fashion and, after United striker Zac Sapsford was booked for diving in the Falkirk box, the home side levelled.
Right-back Keelan Adams forced his way to the byline and cut the ball back for skipper Brad Spencer to lay it off to midfielder Tait, who hammered the ball high into the net from 12 yards.
The home side had the ascendancy again but United stormed back into the lead after Camara drove forward and set up Dolcek, who beat Bain after his first effort had been blocked.
Falkirk returned fire moments later when Ross' deflected shot from 14 yards after taking an Adams cross, wrong-footed Kucherenko.
There were further opportunities at both ends in an exciting finale but the two sides sides had to settle for a point apiece.
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