Sibbs: We need to see out both legs of the play-offs

Craig Sibbald knows to his cost the agony of two-legged play-off ties.
Sibbald is rapidly approaching 250 games for the Bairns - but is out of contract at the end of this month. Picture Michael GillenSibbald is rapidly approaching 250 games for the Bairns - but is out of contract at the end of this month. Picture Michael Gillen
Sibbald is rapidly approaching 250 games for the Bairns - but is out of contract at the end of this month. Picture Michael Gillen

Falkirk headed to Kilmarnock last season with their tails up after the young midfielder slipped a pass to Will Vaulks to lash in the winner in last year’s final first leg.

But it all came crashing down at Rugby Park – scene of further heartache for Sibbald who was in the Ayrshire stands seven years ago when the Bairns were relegated.

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Another two-legged tie begins tomorrow night for Falkirk and no matter what the score at Tannadice, experience tells the Bairns, the round is far from over.

Craig Sibbald will turn 22 in the midst of the play-offs and hopes to enjoy a birthday party with promotion too. Picture Michael Gillen.Craig Sibbald will turn 22 in the midst of the play-offs and hopes to enjoy a birthday party with promotion too. Picture Michael Gillen.
Craig Sibbald will turn 22 in the midst of the play-offs and hopes to enjoy a birthday party with promotion too. Picture Michael Gillen.

Sibbald said: “We went to Kilmarnock quite confident but it was roasting that day and the legs just gave way. We didn’t give them much of a game but this time we hope to go one better.”

The Bairns have had a rest ahead of the game, while Dundee United have played twice in the past week against a stuffy Morton side who seemed to fall to the same fatigued fate as the Bairns in the post-season last term.

“Last year the semi-final took a lot out of us,” added Sibbald. “There were last minute winners, and tough opponents. It took it out of us.

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“Hopefully we can find a way of cruising through – but I can’t imagine that happening!

Craig Sibbald will turn 22 in the midst of the play-offs and hopes to enjoy a birthday party with promotion too. Picture Michael Gillen.Craig Sibbald will turn 22 in the midst of the play-offs and hopes to enjoy a birthday party with promotion too. Picture Michael Gillen.
Craig Sibbald will turn 22 in the midst of the play-offs and hopes to enjoy a birthday party with promotion too. Picture Michael Gillen.

“It would give us a bit extra in the tank for the final if we could make it and we have had a good rest.

“Hopefully that helps us in the long run.”

Falkirk is in a play-off frenzy and the man who sent them to Kilmarnock in such high spirits has tweeted his support to the Bairns, but hasn’t been in touch with his former team-mate and good friend for tickets – yet.

“Will hasn’t been in touch for tickets – but maybe that’s still to come.

“Loads of people have been though. Everyone is really up for it.”