BY IAIN COLLIN – @CCP_sport
Falkirk were left embarrassed the last time they faced Premiership opposition – but Luke Leahy reckons their seven-goal mauling from Ross County could prove a turning point in their season.
The Bairns travel to face Dundee tonight in their rearranged Scottish Cup clash at Dens Park with the benefit of an impressive 13-game unbeaten run.
Peter Houston’s men have only lost twice – away to Rangers and at home to Hibernian – since their humbling 7-0 hammering from County in the League Cup back in September.
It is a run that has ensured they will have a crack at promotion back to the Premiership through the play-offs, at least, and has sparked talk of a challenge to Rangers and Hibs for the title.
However, Leahy is fully aware tonight’s tie will be a testing examination of Falkirk’s top-flight credentials as they bid to recreate August’s League Cup victory over Partick Thistle – rather than their subsequent meeting with the Staggies.
Leahy said: “Ross County was a disaster but in the Partick game we defended very well and our shape was good.
“So, fingers crossed, we perform like we did against Partick, instead of Ross County! County was one of those nights you don’t want to remember.
“There were a few words said after that game and we were in the next day, even though it was supposed to be our day off.
“Everything came out when we had a meeting the next day and we’ve only lost twice since then.
“So, although it was a bad result, it’s helped us.
“I said before the Ross County game I thought we could match Premiership opposition, and look what happened there. So, I’m not going to make any big predictions.
“But we’ll give it our all, we’ll give it our best. I’m sure the gaffer will get us ready and we’ll go out there and enjoy it.”
Pressure
Houston can expect a hostile welcome from the home fans this evening following his spell as assistant and then manager at rivals Dundee United.
However, he is relishing the ‘pressure-free’ opportunity to again take on top-flight opposition, something he is eager for his side to enjoy on a weekly basis.
He added: “One of the things going up to Dens Park is the pressure’s on Dundee, because we’re not expected to win.
“They are (expected to win), they’re the Premier side, and it takes a wee bit of pressure off us after going into matches where we have to win.
“We’ll look forward to it. I’m really looking forward to going to Dens, but it’s going to be a tough, tough match. I watched them on Friday night and they played okay.
“But that’s the kind of games we want to play in because we want to get back into that top league.”
