Falkirk 3 - 2 Ayr United: El Alagui and Scobbie’s final flourish

Falkirk brought the curtain down on a memorable season with victory over Ayr United as Tam Scobbie and Farid El Alagui bade farewell with a goal apiece, writes Darren Johnstone at the Falkirk Stadium.

With Ayr United needing a three-point and 17-goal swing to be safe in the First Division, manager Brian Reid was already planning for a relegation play-off clash with Airdrie by effectively naming an under-19 side.

It was no surprise, therefore, when Scobbie – wearing the captain’s armband for the day – opened the scoring after six minutes from the penalty spot after El Alagui was tripped by goalkeeper by Ryan McWilliams.

Much of the first half was akin to a training-ground exercise for Falkirk but they were punished for their lax attitude six minutes after the restart when Michael Moffat waltzed into the box and powered a shot past Michael McGovern.

Falkirk restored their lead five minutes later, however, when El Alagui notched his 28th goal of the season by heading in Blair Alston’s cross.

The hosts added a third in the 63rd minute through Alston before Moffat slotted home an 81st minute consolation.

With Dundee winning, Falkirk settle for a third-place finish.