Barr 5, Riera 72
ABERDEEN 2Smith 3, Lovell 9
FOR THOSE who are still cynical about what is special about the Scottish Cup, a visit to the Falkirk Stadium yesterday should have been enough as Falkirk and Aberdeen served up a p
ulsating four goal encounter compared to the turgid, goalless SPL fixture between the sides last week.
Once again, John Hughes' energetic and vibrant Falkirk side may feel hard done by as they played the more flowing football, but Aberdeen's more rigorous defence, with the newly re-signed Zander Diamond excelling, now gives them home advantage for the replay at Pittodrie.
Any notion of a repeat of last week's score was vanquished in a frenzied three goal opening ten minutes. It was Jamie Smith who struck first for Aberdeen after three minutes with Falkirk, figuratively and literally, caught cold. Their defence was not properly warmed up as contract rebel Barry Nicholson advanced on the 18 yard box. Falkirk centre-half Darren Barr failed to clear the ball and as the ball squirted away from him, the Dons midfielder got in a second attempt which Tim Krul, back in Falkirk's goal after suspension, could only parry. Jamie Smith was the first to react and he slipped the ball past the prone goalkeeper.
A stunning blow but Falkirk's powers of recovery were impressive, especially from Barr as he made amends for his dithering in the box at the other end of the park. This time he was full of purpose as he glided in Pedro Moutinho's cross with his head at the near post corner. Now was the time for Falkirk to settle down to their passing game, but before they had time to build up a rhythm they'd shot themselves in the foot with slack defending to once more find themselves a goal behind four minutes later.
Again there was apprehension as Aberdeen approached the box in numbers and when Lee Miller came wide to pick up the ball, Jack Ross seemed to shepherd him inside rather than cutting him off with a decisive tackle, letting Miller get a shot across the box. Steve Lovell drifted in front of Krul to slide it in past the goalkeeper.
Where Barr and Tom Scobbie were is something John Hughes might want to raise in the postmortem? After such an explosive start both sides seemed to catch breath and the pattern for the rest of the half was set with Aberdeen content to sit on their lead, looking to release Miller and Lovell on the break.
In the meantime, Falkirk were not gaining much leeway through the middle, especially with Russell Latapy's craft and guile still on the bench. The difference, however, between the sides was at the back, Diamond in particular seemed to ooze extra confidence having signed a new contract midweek as he marshalled those around him, even at times keeping his senior partner Steve Severin on the right track.
Falkirk were now beginning to run out of ideas with Moutinho switching wings and looking the most likely man to create something. However, it was when the talisman entered the fray Falkirk came to life again. Latapy came on with 20 minutes to go and immediately put Dean Holden in on goal, but the full back blasted his shot over. With Aberdeen concentrating on Latapy, more space appeared on the wings and Carl Finnigan did real damage hurtling down the right in the 72nd minute, hitting the bye-line in classic style for the cut back. Spanish midfielder Arnau Riera met it just on the edge of the six yard box to head in.
Aberdeen were now reeling as Latapy dictated the play with the linesman's flag as much as anything keeping Falkirk at bay. Part of Latapy's problem is he sees a pass so early, unfortunately being too quick for teammates and match officials alike. Although Falkirk have only won one of their eight cup ties against Aberdeen, they should have some confidence as surely a stuffy Aberdeen will have to open up more at Pittodrie.
The full article contains 689 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
