Falkirk edge Stenhousemuir in extra-time to make quarters
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Scottish Cup
Stenhousemuir 0 - 0 Falkirk AET
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Falkirk will face Dundee United or The Spartans in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals after an extra-time win over local rivals Stenhousemuir at Ochilview.
The visitors, who are enjoying a fine Premiership campaign on their return to the topflight, had to wait until the 103rd minute for the breakthrough, when captain Brad Spencer drove in a long-range screamer to finally take the lead.
They continued to overpower Stenny in the second half of extra-time, with Spencer curling in a free-kick that Barney Stewart powered home with his head.
Stenhousemuir put a shift in to make sure the first half remained goalless, with goalkeeper Darren Jamieson making a fine double save to deny the heavy favourites.
Falkirk thought they'd taken the lead just after half-time when on-loan Sheffield United man Louie Marsh had the ball in the back of the net, but the forward was in an offside position.
There were limited chances and when the goal did come, it didn't look like there was much on. Spencer, fresh from missing a better chance, lined one up from distance and lasered it into the bottom corner.
Stewart's goal put the game beyond doubt, as he rose at the front post to nod in a set-play and end any home dreams of a comeback.
Dundee United's game against The Spartans was initially called off due to a waterlogged pitch, and will instead be played on Tuesday 17 February.
Analysis: Falkirk made to sweat in local derby against dogged Stenhousemuir
It was a strange game for both sides. Falkirk have not been heavy favourites this season, while the Ochilview side have rarely had to sit back and absorb pressure.
But both sides took to their tasks well, particularly the underdogs.
Falkirk initially found it hard to break down the two banks of four that Stenhousemuir set up. They had the occasional chance, but struggled for really clear-cut chances.
Stewart made a real difference when he came on, and appears to be improving week on week for Falkirk. His story is an incredible one, and a journey to Hampden would add another fantastical chapter.
They'll fancy a home tie against either Dundee United or The Spartans. In honesty, they'd have fancied their chances against anyone.
Celtic were lucky to leave Falkirk with a win in January while Rangers have already dropped points there this season.
What they said
Falkirk manager John McGlynn: "Bit of quality in the final third would have helped make it a bit quicker. We didn't really want to go through an extra 30 minutes, when we've got a big game on Wednesday night, but that's what it took.
"It was all about getting the first goal, but it took us too long to get it to be honest.
"Loads of effort and commitment, but not enough quality in front of goal. Credit to the Stenhousemuir defenders, who defended well and stopped crosses. I'm just delighted to be through."