Falkirk v Dunfermline: Key take aways from Pars defeat to the Bairns

James McPake's men went down 2-1 at the Falkirk Stadium, ending a run of six games without defeat at the venue, as their winless Championship run stretched to five matches.

A second loss of the campaign to the table-topping Bairns was tough to take for the Pars fans, who will hope that their fortunes will change for the better when they welcome Livingston to KDM Group East End Park tomorrow evening.

Here, we take a look at some of our takeaways from the match.

'Self-inflicted' wound and bad luck

There's no doubt that a loss to John McGlynn's side was frustrating and disappointing.

That is especially true given in the context of Dunfermline's league position, but their efforts on Saturday belied the 20 point gap that exists between the teams.

For large spells in open play, there wasn't much to choose between them, but fortune was, at times, not on Athletic's side.

For example, Craig Clay's volley for goal, with the game scoreless, looked net bound until a Falkirk defender got in the way just in front of the line.

Craig Clay came close for Dunfermline in the first half. (Image: Craig Brown.)

Chris Hamilton was unfortunate to see Luke Graham find himself in the right place at the right time to clear his header over goalkeeper, Nicky Hogarth, as it headed for goal late on. Similarly, Sam Young came close to finding the net at the far post with a header, only for Graham again to clear the danger.

After enjoying a bit of a break when Ethan Ross' shot from inside their penalty area struck the upright, they were unlucky to see the ball then bounce off the chest of the helpless Hamilton and into the net for Falkirk's opener.

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These were moments that, perhaps if Pars were further up the table, might have gone for them.

However, McPake said post-match that the second goal that they conceded, which was ultimately decisive, was "criminal".

From a short goal kick, Hamilton was pressured into a clearance which fell straight to an opponent inside Dunfermline's half.

One cross-field pass later and Aidan Nesbitt was shooting at goal, with Tobi Oluwayemi saving, but the ball ricocheted off Hamilton, then back off the Athletic goalkeeper, and fell kindly for Calvin Miller to score from close range.

It gave Dunfermline a mountain too high to climb and are moments they can ill-afford in their attempts to try and turn their form around.

More creativity required

Lewis McCann's well-taken header gave the Pars hope on Saturday when reduced the deficit to 2-1, but they weren't able to find an equaliser.

READ MORE: 'Individual errors do kill you' says Athletic boss after Falkirk loss

That effort was just their sixth goal in 10 Championship outings, and their 'for' column must improve if they are to move up the table.

Lewis McCann's header was just the sixth goal Athletic have scored in 10 Championship outings. (Image: Craig Brown.)

They did have some chances. Aside from Clay's volley, headers from Hamilton and Young, Hamilton sent an effort wide in the first half; McCann should have hit the target with a diving header moments before the break; and a super Kane Ritchie-Hosler centre early in the second period only needed a lurking Pars player to touch it home.

However, Bairns keeper, Nicky Hogarth, didn't have a lot of saves of real note to make, and Dunfermline will need to find ways of creating clear opportunities to find the net.

They'll also hope Chris Kane, who missed the game after failing a late fitness test, will be available to face Livi, which McPake said he was "very hopeful" of.

Positive Mebude cameo and focus quickly shifting

Early in the second half, McPake made a triple substitution, sending on Dapo Mebude, David Wotherspoon and Josh Cooper for Matty Todd, Craig Wighton and Ritchie-Hosler.

Wotherspoon provided the assist for McCann's goal, whilst Cooper, and Mebude in particular, provided a spark when given the chance to run at Falkirk's defence.

Dapo Mebude was a positive when he was introduced after half-time. (Image: Craig Brown.)

Mebude made just his third Pars appearance, all from the bench, since signing earlier this month, and he looked lively, always looking for the ball and eager to drive forward.

"Valuable minutes for Dapo. I thought he looked a real threat, and he'll be really important in the way he plays; he's very dynamic," McPake said.

"I just wish he hadn't got that cut (against Kelty Hearts) and he could have played a bit longer last week, and he probably would have started this game."

Mebude may get his chance tomorrow when the second bottom Pars welcome a Livingston side who defeated them on the opening day of the season.

The Lions, second in the table and unbeaten after 10 matches, are four points behind Falkirk, who have played a game more.

David Martindale's team came from behind to claim a stoppage-time win over Raith Rovers on Saturday, and will provide tough opposition.

With the game following so quickly from the match at Falkirk, there is no time for the Pars squad to dwell on the result, with McPake noting: "I think with the size of the squad now, it's a good thing.

"The squad's good. It shouldn't be an issue, the turnaround from now to Tuesday, and I think that's a good thing."