Calvin Miller scores penaltyImage source, SNS
Image caption,

Calvin Miller's penalty proved decisive as Falkirk secured a top-six finish

ByMartin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Fir Park

Falkirk emphatically secured their place in the top half of the Scottish Premiership as Motherwell's long home unbeaten record - stretching back to October - was broken.

Barney Stewart and Ben Broggio's first-half goals sandwiched an Elliot Watt leveller for the home side before the impressive Calvin Miller converted from the penalty spot to earn victory.

These decisive three points offer John McGlynn's side an outside chance of pushing for a European place after successive promotions from League One.

Tawanda Maswanhise netted an injury-time consolation but defeat leaves fourth-placed Motherwell without a win in four league matches, with Hibernian now within touching distance of them before a trip to face Hearts at Tynecastle.

The visitors knew a single point would finally earn the reward they sought - a top-six finish on their long-awaited return to Scotland's top flight.

They play to win though, and being the last visiting team to triumph here on league duty they went straight on the front foot early on.

The outstanding Miller flighted a delightful free-kick in from the left and in-form striker Stewart's header found the far corner.

His goal return - six in his past five games - and rise to prominence since returning from a loan spell with Dunfermline has been staggering.

Motherwell levelled when Watt's volley flew through Scott Bain's hands for a tame concession. But just as the home side looked encouraged, they offered up a gift of their own.

Watt didn't look as he played the ball back towards goalkeeper Calum Ward. Miller anticipated and the ball broke wide to Broggio, who reacted first to tap home just before half-time.

Miller had an effort from distance touched on to the woodwork but he added Falkirk's deserved third from the penalty spot after Ibrahim Said caught Filip Lissah.

More to follow

What next?

Motherwell travel to take on Hearts at Tynecastle in their final pre-split fixture next Saturday (15:00 BST). Falkirk host Rangers the following day (12:00).

Player of the match

Number: 13 C. Ward
Average rating 6.00
Number: 13 C. Ward
Average Rating: 6.00
Number: 45 E. Longelo
Average Rating: 6.00
Number: 57 S. Welsh
Average Rating: 6.00
Number: 16 P. McGinn
Average Rating: 6.00
Number: 2 S. O'Donnell
Average Rating: 6.00
Number: 20 E. Watt
Average Rating: 6.00
Number: 12 L. Fadinger
Average Rating: 6.00
Number: 90 I. Said
Average Rating: 6.00
Number: 21 E. Just
Average Rating: 6.00
Number: 7 T. Sparrow
Average Rating: 6.00
Number: 18 T. Maswanhise
Average Rating: 6.00
Number: 6 J. McGhee
Average Rating: 6.00
Number: 25 O. Priestman
Average Rating: 6.00
Number: 19 S. Nicholson
Average Rating: 6.00
Number: 28 L. Ross
Average Rating: 6.00

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