It Is Not The Easy Option To Score In Scotland

Last updated : 17 March 2008 By Ed_ScottishFitba

Falkirk managed to pick up three points against Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Billy Clarke finally managed to get on the scoresheet. Clarke was allowed to go out on loan by Ipswich in January after failing to score in 22 games this season. He moved north in the hope of building his confidence before returning to Portman Road at the end of the season. However, Barins manager John Hughes has had to be patient as Clarke could did not score in his first five appearances. Saturday's match-winning strike could win him a starting role against Hearts next weekend. His substitute appearance allowed Clarke to get the late goal which secured three points and tightened Falkirk's hold on sixth place in the SPL. Hughes said: "He probably came up here thinking he would be playing every week, so has been a bit disappointed. But his goal gave him more confidence and makes him a contender for the starting 11 next week." Falkirk lead Hearts by three points after the Edinburgh side drew at Love Street against St Mirren. The Jam Tarts could overtake the Bairns if they win at Tynecastle on Saturday, but Hughes is delighted his side have any advantage to take to the capital, after admitting the game at Inverness could have gone either way. He said: "I don't think there was much between the two teams and I'm just delighted we got the three points."

Saturday saw Inverness' poor run extend to five pointless games. Manager Craig Brewster does not need reminding that their season began with six successive losses, during which time Charlie Christie stepped down and the much travelled striker came in as his replacement. Brewster's arrival brought a change of fortune and Inverness were closing in on a top-six finish until hitting the wall around the turn of the year. Since December, Inverness have won just one game, against Gretna. Brewster, who may be tempted to dust down his shooting boots if there is no sign of an improvement, is determined to find a answer to the club's goalscoring problem. They have scored just four goals in the last nine games, and are now in ninth place in the league. Brewster said: "
We have to keep working hard every day in training and keep telling the players to get themselves in the box. After having a great middle part to the season we don't want to slip down the table and we need to put things right as soon as possible."

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