Falkirk make the most of bright start against Belgian visitors
An early goal from Leon McCann secured a narrow pre-season victory for Falkirk against a mixed-age Genk squad at the Falkirk Stadium, as the Belgians — featuring senior and youth players — found the frame of the goal three times in pursuit of an equaliser.
The decisive moment arrived after just six minutes, when trialist winger David Ninkovic delivered a precise cross from the left. Although Ross MacIver miscued his attempted volley, full-back McCann arrived at the back post to convert and give the home side an early advantage. Ninkovic, a 26-year-old Serbian last with Perth Azzurri, provided one of the evening’s stand-out contributions with that telling delivery.
Visitors threaten as woodwork keeps Falkirk ahead
Genk, who had beaten Motherwell 4-3 at Fir Park the previous day, grew into the contest after the interval. Belgium Under-21 winger Noah Adedeji-Sternberg came closest when he broke through on goal just after the hour, only to rattle the far post with the goalkeeper beaten. Moments later, 17-year-old midfielder Jelle Driessen carved open the defence with a quick one-two on the edge of the area but struck the underside of the bar from close range.
The visitors were denied again late on when 18-year-old full-back Wout Kapers unleashed a long-range drive that crashed against the crossbar. Falkirk, who had taken the lead early, were forced to defend for stretches as Genk’s fresh legs from a large travelling party kept the tempo high despite the club’s second friendly in 24 hours.
Clinical edge proves the difference
While chances were limited for the hosts after the opening goal, the Bairns showed resolve in preserving their advantage. MacIver’s mishit in the build-up to McCann’s strike underscored how fine the margins can be in pre-season, while the trio of efforts against the frame at the other end highlighted Genk’s threat without a finish to match.
The encounter served as a valuable early test for Falkirk’s defensive shape and concentration. With Genk blending youth prospects and senior squad members, the Scottish side were made to work hard out of possession and to manage transitions, particularly after half-time when the visitors injected more pace and invention.
What the night told us
- Fast start rewarded: An incisive ball from trialist Ninkovic and McCann’s back-post finish established control that ultimately decided the match.
- Resilience under pressure: Falkirk stood firm as Genk struck the woodwork three times, maintaining structure as the game opened up.
- Trialist impact: Ninkovic’s contribution offered a useful data point for the coaching staff as pre-season assessments continue.
Key moments at a glance
| Time | Team | Player | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6' | Falkirk | Leon McCann | Back-post finish from David Ninkovic cross |
| Just after hour | Genk | Noah Adedeji-Sternberg | Breakthrough chance hits far post |
| Second half | Genk | Jelle Driessen | One-two move; shot against underside of bar |
| Late on | Genk | Wout Kapers | Long-range strike onto crossbar |
As a pre-season workout, this was a firm step forward for Falkirk: an early lead secured, a clean sheet maintained, and a stretch of disciplined defending when required. Against opponents who had shown scoring power 24 hours earlier, the home side’s organisation and recovery runs were decisive factors in seeing out the result.
The performance will be assessed more for its patterns and fitness markers than the scoreline, but the narrow win at home, fashioned by McCann’s alertness and Ninkovic’s delivery, provides a useful platform for the weeks ahead.
