FULL TIME - Falkirk 0 Wanderers 0
4:53pm Saturday 31st July 2010 in Sport By Marc Iles
Wanderers were left frustrated after failing to convert their opportunities at the Falkirk Stadium.
Johan Elmander went closest to breaking the deadlock, hitting the post in the first half, after stretching to divert Sam Ricketts’ flick towards goal.
Home keeper Robert Olejnik was also forced into a tremendous reaction save after Gary Cahill got on the end of Robbie Blake’s in-swinging corner.
Wanderers had certainly clicked into gear in more convincing fashion than they had at Boundary Park a few nights earlier, but were frustrated in their efforts to take the lead with a mixture of bad fortune and excellent defending.
Falkirk defender Medhdi Khalis also proved an impenetrable barrier, blocking two good efforts from Robbie Blake and deflecting Gary Cahill’s header wide of his post in an impressive first-half display.
But it was his mistake on the hour that nearly let substitute Kevin Davies in for the opening goal, as the skipper headed Chung-Yong’s cross narrowly wide.
The South Korea international might have helped himself to the opener a minute later, lashing his shot high and wide after some clever build-up from Blake and Danny Ward.
It proved to be his last act before being withdrawn for Martin Petrov, and the Bulgarian quickly took up his mantle as chief provider, creating a chance for Blake that forced Olejnik into a good save at his near post.
The home side struggled to find the right final pass despite playing some decent football but improved as the game wore on, with Mark Stewart and Kallum Higginbotham both going close.
Wanderers also pressed to the end, and only a fingertip save from Olejnik stopped Riga from opening his pre-season account as he looked to steal in on Ricketts’ cross at the far post.
The former Aston Villa trainee also had to act smart to save a low shot from Kevin Davies, who will feel he should have won the game after finding a clear sight of goal 10 yards out.
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