Life In the Old Dog Yet

Falkirk finally won a league game and utility man Lee Bullen got a chance to be involved again in the playing side of in the battle to avoid relegation. He even managed to score his first goal for the Bairns in the 2-0 win over fellow strugglers Hamilton. Things looked bleak for his playing career when new manager Eddie May handed him the role of reserve coach in the summer. However, due to the severity of the club's injury problems, Bullen was recalled as a substitute in the recent 3-3 draw with Celtic. He was called to action again on Saturday as he came off the bench on Saturday and, in a forward role, secured Falkirk's first win in the league this season to take them to within a point of Hamilton and Kilmarnock at the foot of the table.

Bullen said: "That's my first goal for Falkirk and it's a nice one to get. We have been under pressure to get our first win of the season and I think we needed the second goal. I think I've got a bit to give on and off the park, especially with such a young squad. I don't know if I would be able to go out up front and start a match if I'm being honest. I don't think I would do myself or do the team justice. If I play a wee cameo, even a half now and then, I am happy to do that. I did not do a pre-season and taking over the coaching role of reserves and under-19s, that's my priority. The manager offered me a fantastic opportunity to go into the coaching side of things at the start of the season. Long-term that's the way I want to go although initially I was disappointed as I saw it as a year too early. I have enjoyed my roles with the 19s, they have been going great but you still hanker for pulling the boots on on a Saturday afternoon and I am lucky enough to get that opportunity."

After withstanding a dominant display from the visitors in the first half, defender Chris Mitchell gave Falkirk the lead in the 64th minute with a brilliant free-kick from the edge of the area. Substitute Bullen sealed the win 11 minutes from time after receiving Carl Finnigan's pass before blasting the ball beyond Tomas Cerny. Bullen went on: "It was crucial to get the three points, even a draw was not going to be a great bonus because potentially we could have come in at the end seven points behind Hamilton. We have done the easy bit getting back in among the pack, now the hard work begins."