Falkirk 0-0 Gretna

Greg Fleming produced another heroic display as Gretna held Falkirk to a goalless draw in the first of the post-split fixtures.

The young goalkeeper earned his side a share of the spoils with a string of second-half saves to deny the home side.

And there may well have been further reward for the spirited Black and Whites but their lack of firepower proved decisive in the blustery conditions at Westfield.

There was just one change from the side which drew against St Mirren last time out, with Nicky Deverdics replacing injured skipper Paul Murray.

Gavin Skelton wore the captain’s armband in his absence and he had the first attempt of the game with a low shot from distance that drifted harmlessly wide.

Both teams struggled in the strong wind but Falkirk threatened when Tam Scobbie crossed for Michael Higdon who headed over the bar.

And Scott Arfield saw a low shot deflected behind moments later as they appeared to adapt to the conditions better than the visitors.

But it was Gretna who nearly opened the scoring midway through the half when Kyle Naughton worked his way through the penalty area and found Brendan McGill. His cross broke to Abdul Osman 12 yards out and his shot was deflected narrowly wide.

Falkirk responded as Graham Barrett broke the offside trap and bore down on Fleming. His scuffed effort dropped invitingly in the six yard box but Rhys Meynell was on hand with a brilliant block to prevent Pedro Moutinho converting the loose ball.

The Black and Whites finished the half strongly though and Nicky Deverdics tested debutant keeper Shane Supple with a neat turn and shot from Kyle Naughton’s long throw.

A similar piece of individual skill almost saw the home side take the lead after the break as Barrett turned sharply in the box but Fleming was equal to his shot and turned it round the post.

From the resulting corner, the unmarked Michael Higdon volleyed wide at the far post. That proved to be their last contribution to the game as John Hughes replaced his forwards in an attempt to improve their fortunes in front of goal.

The changes certainly injected more urgency to Falkirk’s play as they tried to break down the resilient visitors but Gretna were happy to soak up the pressure and hit the Bairns on the counter attack.

This tactic very nearly paid dividends on 72 minutes when John Paul Kissock released Abdul Osman on the right and his cross was flicked narrowly wide at the near post by Ben Wilkinson.

Moutinho then drew another good save from Fleming with a free-kick from the edge of the box but it was Gretna who came closest to breaking the deadlock ten minutes from time when Kyle Naughton raced clear.

The Sheffield United youngster, playing as a makeshift forward once again, found himself through on goal but his low drive was diverted wide by Supple.

Falkirk regained possession from the corner and broke quickly up the park through substitute Russell Latapy, who picked out Moutinho in a promising position.

However, Fleming came to Gretna’s rescue once again, parrying his powerful shot to safety.

And the in-form keeper thwarted Moutinho for a final time in the closing stages, blocking from close range to ensure his side returned home with a point.

Falkirk: Supple, Ross, Aafjes, Scobbie, (Latapy 74), Barr, McBride, Riera, Arfield, Barrett (Clarke 64), Moutinho, Higdon (Finnigan 64). Subs not used: Olejnik, Cregg, Bradley, Mitchell.

Gretna: Fleming, Griffiths, Skelton, Barr, Meynell, Osman, McGill (Baldacchino 85), Wilkinson (Hall 77), Deverdics, Kissock (Hogg 90), Naughton. Subs not used: Krysiak, Robinson, Taylor, Sharples.

Star Man: Greg Fleming
The 21 year-old enhanced his growing reputation with another impressive performance between the sticks. He produced several fine saves in the second-half to keep Falkirk at bay and earn his side a much deserved point.

Attendance: 4,409
Referee: Steve O’Reilly