Barney Stewart continued his impressive goalscoring form as Falkirk reached the Scottish Cup semi-finals, opening the scoring in a 2-1 win over Dundee United.
Stewart nodded Falkirk ahead inside nine minutes after Ashley Maynard-Brewer could only palm a Brad Spencer effort high into the air. It was Stewart’s seventh goal since returning from a loan spell at Dunfermline in January. Falkirk doubled their lead in the 21st minute when Finn Yeats ran between two United defenders at the near post to guide Leon McCann’s cross into the far corner.
Falkirk’s movement off the ball made them the more incisive side and they had chances to extend their advantage. Maynard-Brewer clawed McCann’s cross away from under the bar and Calvin Miller was played through only for Luca Stephenson to take the ball off his toes.
Dundee United, whose season has looked uninspiring, were lacklustre until first-half stoppage time when substitute Julius Eskesen struck with United’s first real effort. Max Watters won the ball and set up Will Ferry to cut back for Eskesen, who steered the ball in off Scott Bain’s diving body to make it 2-1.
The goal gave United momentum after the interval. Bain produced an impressive stop to deny Zac Sapsford following a one-two with Watters. Manager Jim Goodwin sent on new signing Johnny Russell, who set up another chance for Sapsford; the Australian struck the inside of the post.
Falkirk regained control, managing possession and the tempo, and their fans even enjoyed the sight of assistant referee and former Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross being accidentally upended by United defender Krisztian Keresztes. Sub Kyrell Wilson drew another save from Maynard-Brewer, and Miller scuffed the rebound against the post.
United could not find an equaliser and Falkirk saw out the remainder of the game to secure a place in the last four. Jim Goodwin’s side trail sixth-placed Falkirk by nine points with four games to go before the Premiership split, while Falkirk — who last reached a semi-final three years ago when they were a League One side under John McGlynn — now have the chance to add cup glory to a likely top-half finish.