Brechin City are still in with a shout of progressing to the last 16 going into the final round of the Betfred Cup group stage fixtures.
And Glebe Park boss Darren Dods has admitted that’s exactly what he had hoped for from the outset.
A draw and then penalty shoot-out bonus point win against St Johnstone in midweek has kept their hopes alive.
A win at Falkirk is now required but Dods knows that is a big ask.
He said: “Falkirk were one of the last teams to come back into training after the summer because their season lasted longer with the play-offs.
“But they’ve got more football in their legs now so will be getting stronger and better.”
Dods added: “I can definitely see an improvement in our own play.
“It was a much better performance against St Johnstone than against Elgin. Their full-time fitness showed in the second half but we stuck at it and it was a good result.”
Andy Jackson scored Brechin’s goal and Dods observed: “That might have been one of his best games for Brechin.
“He’s a had a good pre-season and is always a goal threat.”
