Falkirk add goals and grit to McGlynn’s guile on rapid rise

Falkirk beat Hearts 5-2 at Tynecastle, becoming the first team to defeat them at home in a Scottish Premiership match for 19 months. The win followed a victory over defending champions Celtic, made it five league wins in a row and lifted John McGlynn’s side to third, a striking turnaround from 11th place a month earlier.

McGlynn’s team has combined the knowledge of players who helped secure back-to-back promotions with 17 summer signings, after significant squad changes. New arrival Jacob Murrell scored twice against Hearts and has seven league goals, putting him joint-top scorer; players and pundits have also pointed to the team’s work ethic, stronger attacking threat and added resilience. Falkirk have played 13 games, and McGlynn says they are keeping perspective on a long season.