MICHAEL TIDSER says that he has "massive respect" for Falkirk as he prepares to return to his former club this afternoon.

The Kelty Hearts skipper spent half a season at the Falkirk Stadium during the 2019/20 campaign, which was cut short due to COVID-19, and saw the Bairns miss out on League One promotion.

Raith Rovers, on a points per game average that was used to determine final placings, were declared champions, but former Greenock Morton and Rotherham United midfielder Tidser had departed in January of that year.

He subsequently moved to New Central Park and, in 2021, etched his name into Kelty folklore by scoring the second leg winner that secured their promotion into League Two in their play-off final with Brechin City.

Having also captained his current team to a second successive promotion, Tidser will make a return to Falkirk this weekend, aiming for a repeat of the 2-0 success he and his team-mates enjoyed at New Central Park last month.

Speaking to Press Sport after last Saturday's win over Clyde, which came four days after he netted the decisive goal at home to Queen of the South, Tidser said: "One of the boys said to me earlier on what sort of reception I would get and stuff like that but, listen, it was just a transformational time at Falkirk.

"When I was there, I was with Ray McKinnon (manager). He got the sack, and Lee (Miller) and big Cracks (David McCracken) took it. Obviously I left a couple of months later.

"It's part and parcel of football. Falkirk's a great club; I'll never say anything disrespectful towards it. It was just that they couldn't get up that time, and they still haven't got up, so it was obviously underlying issues.

"It wasn't just the players. I think it was the club collectively, and I think a lot of people would agree with that, but, listen, I've got a massive respect for Falkirk as a club.

"I'm looking forward to going back next week."

John McGlynn's Bairns team are second in the table, and without a home defeat in the league, and Tidser acknowledged: "They're a good side, Falkirk.

"They proved it here and we managed to beat them. It's a different proposition going to the Falkirk Stadium. The pitch is bigger, and they'll try and play, but the manager will do his bits and bobs Tuesday Thursday, and we'll be right and ready for them come next Saturday.

"Hopefully, again, we can get another positive result.

"I think anybody can beat anybody on their day. As long as you bring your A game, and give your all, there's no reason why we can't go and look for a positive result next Saturday."

Kelty head across the Forth on the back of two successive home wins, but are still to pick up a point on their travels, having lost all five fixtures.

"Teams will know coming here it's difficult, because the pitch is a wee bit tighter, and we get in about it, but away from home is where you pick up points, and that's what carries you up the league, if your home form's good," Tidser continued.

"We're not daft. We know where we're at and we know where we can get to. I still think we've got a few more levels – I'm sure the manager would agree to that as well – and just keep ticking over and picking up points.

"It was a stop-start pre-season. I know it's not an excuse, and then boys were in, boys were out, then we got the loan boys in, there was a few injuries to key players, and I think now we're starting to get a full squad to pick from.

"I'm sure the manager's got options and I think we're bearing the fruits of that now with the subs we're making and the impact people are making."

Following this afternoon's game at the Falkirk Stadium, John Potter takes his team to KDM Group East End Park next weekend for a clash with leaders Dunfermline.

Kelty have won four and drawn one of their six home games, so the challenge for the New Central Park side is to find those results on the road.

Potter said: “Two brilliant games for us as players, for myself, the staff and for the club as well.

“They’re two big games with big crowds. They’ll be difficult games – they’re top teams – but we have to go there and try and be nice and positive.

“We’ve got results against them at home. It will be different games away from home, but two brilliant opportunities, and hopefully we can get some points.”

Last month, Kelty collected a 2-0 win at home to the Bairns, having previously held Dunfermline to a scoreless draw, and Potter believes finding the opening goal in their away fixtures could help improve results.

“There’s little bits,” he replied when asked what the players can do differently.

“I speak to them all the time. I think the first goal’s always vital, and I don’t think we have done it away from home.

“That’s vital in the game and it’s just seeing out difficult moments when teams are on top. We’ve done it well at home when teams are on top. We’ve stayed strong and I think we can do that away from home as well.

“Falkirk are a good team. I know a couple of their players really well, I’ve watched them a couple of times and they’re a strong team. It will be a difficult game.

“But, if we can go and do what we do, hopefully we can cause them some problems, and hopefully it’s a good game.”