Yan Dhanda misses penaltyImage source, SNS

At a glance

  • Ben Broggio, 19, sweeps home first Falkirk goal

  • Yan Dhanda misses late penalty for Dundee

  • Visitors fail to score for 13th time in 25 league matches

  • Falkirk level on points with fifth-placed Hibernian

  • Dundee four clear of Kilmarnock in relegation play-off berth

ByJamie Lyall

Ben Broggio's first Falkirk goal propelled them past Dundee, who missed a 95th-minute penalty, and level on points with fifth-placed Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.

In driving rain, the 19-year-old Aston Villa loanee produced a ruthless touch, firing home 10 minutes into the second half after Dundee failed to properly clear their box.

Up to then, Dundee had been the stronger side, fashioning opportunities for Simon Murray and Luke Graham without forcing Falkirk's backup goalkeeper Nicky Hogarth into action, albeit Dylan Tait squandered the biggest chance, miscuing from point-blank range.

Broggio's goal stirred Dundee further, Joel Cotterill's bending drive forcing Hogarth to leap to his left, before Ryan Astley headed narrowly over and Brad Halliday's rasped volley was too high.

They had a golden opportunity to grab a point in the fifth minute of stoppage time when Joe Bevan cantered through on goal and was felled by Hogarth, but Yan Dhanda lashed his penalty wide.

Dhanda's miss, and Dundee's profligacy, leaves Steven Pressley's side just three points clear of Kilmarnock in the relegation play-off position.

Analysis: Broggio's snapshot decisive

Falkirk boss John McGlynn emphasised the need to use his squad amid a hectic programme, with Calvin Miller and Brad Spencer among those carrying knocks and given finishers' roles.

McGlynn had made five changes for Sunday's Scottish Cup win over League One Stenhousemuir, and made one more for his team's return to Premiership duty.

While Dundee edged the midfield battle and had their moments down the left flank, Hogarth had very little to do, with his defenders contributing vital blocks when shooting opportunities arose.

Where Dundee were toothless or wasteful, Broggio was clinical. The teenager's neat finish - one touch to cushion on the knee, another to stroke home - proved decisive, and enhanced his growing reputation among the Falkirk fanbase.

Dundee are the lowest scorers in the Scottish Premiership, with a measly 19 goals from 25 matches. This was the 13th time they have failed to score in a league game this season.

Pressley can be encouraged by his team's ability to build attacking phases, using the pace and trickery of Tony Yogane down the left or the bustling forays of Graham from the back and through the middle.

What they lacked, yet again, was a killer touch. In fact, for all their fluency and all their endeavour, Hogarth was seldom troubled until he chopped down Bevan at the death.

Dhanda - whose goal, from the spot, settled this fixture in December - fluffed his lines. A fitting summation of Dundee's predicament.

What they said

Falkirk manager John McGlynn tells BBC Scotland: "Horrible night for watching football. The fans braved it tonight, the wind blowing the ball all over the place.

"But I thought the teams put on a good show. We got the all-important goal and we got a bit of fortune that Dundee missed the penalty right at the end. I said to the players before the game it might have been a toss of the coin."

On goalkeeper Scott Bain: "He picked up a bug, went out for the warm up and was feeling ill. Delighted for Nicky [Hogarth] to keep a clean sheet. He played a big part in that and did the job tonight.

"We felt 40 points this season would keep us up. Without getting carried away, I think we'll stay up.

"We're absolutely delighted with where we're at. It's beyond our expectations but we're enjoying it."

Dundee manager Steven Pressley tells BBC Scotland: "Considering the conditions, the players attitude towards the game was amazing. We controlled long periods, found ourselves in really good areas, but it's been the story of late - we just need to find that final action.

"We had the penalty in the final minute but no criticism of Yan Dhanda - he's been an outstanding performer and gives so much to the team.

"The truth is, we've never thought we are out of this [relegation fight]. I've reminded the players constantly we have got so much hard work ahead of us.

"We have to get the end product which is the only thing missing from our performance."

What's next?

Falkirk welcome Dundee United on Saturday (15:00 GMT) while Dundee host bottom club Livingston at the same time.

Player of the match

Number: 11 B. Broggio
Average rating 8.31
Number: 11 B. Broggio
Average Rating: 8.31
Number: 1 N. Hogarth
Average Rating: 8.16
Number: 5 L. Henderson
Average Rating: 7.92
Number: 16 B. Stewart
Average Rating: 7.76
Number: 17 H. Cartwright
Average Rating: 7.74
Number: 21 D. Tait
Average Rating: 7.36
Number: 15 L. Neilson
Average Rating: 7.35
Number: 28 F. Lissah
Average Rating: 7.29
Number: 30 L. Marsh
Average Rating: 7.17
Number: 23 E. Ross
Average Rating: 7.10
Number: 2 K. Adams
Average Rating: 7.09
Number: 3 L. McCann
Average Rating: 6.79
Number: 8 B. Spencer
Average Rating: 6.76
Number: 14 F. Yeats
Average Rating: 6.74
Number: 20 C. Allan
Average Rating: 6.65
Number: 29 C. Miller
Average Rating: 6.33

After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.