Hughes frustrated in Bairns' bid for seventh

FALKIRK'S disappointment at failing to qualify for the top six of the SPL has been quickly replaced by a desire to retain seventh place in the table.

But Saturday's 0-0 home draw against relegated Gretna has led to the Bairns surrendering that position to Hearts, resulting in intense frustration for manager John Hughes who is acutely aware of the importance, in financial terms, of finishing as high as possible in the league.

"It was very disappointing not to hold on to our top six place," said Yogi. "But we now have to do whatever we can to finish seventh. The higher you finish, the more cash you receive and the more flexibility I'll have in relation to my plans for next season.

"I'm hoping to keep most of the guys here next season as they've done well for me but I want to bring in two or three new faces to freshen things up so it may be necessary to move one or two on. In the end, all of that will depend on the financial resources available to me and I just hope the players share my hunger to grasp seventh place."

With striker Michael Higdon making a welcome return from injury, Falkirk created enough chances to aspire to what would have been their third victory over the troubled Dumfries and Galloway side this season. But in general it was a flat performance from the Bairns who played their usual efficient short passing game but lacked a cutting edge up front and were consequently unable to break down a resolute Gretna defence.

Portuguese striker Pedro Moutinho had three good chances to open the scoring during the first half and Falkirk were denied two reasonable penalty claims by referee Steve O'Reilly after the interval, before the game stuttered along to its goal-less conclusion.

"I thought we passed the ball well and I felt we created enough chances but the goal just didn't come," continued Hughes. "The game had an end of season feel about it which I suppose is understandable."