Falkirk are through to the Scottish Cup semi-finals after securing a 2-1 victory over Dundee United at Falkirk Stadium on Thursday, March 6, 2026. Goals from Barney Stewart and Finn Yeats put the Bairns in control, with a late strike from Julius Eskesen offering a glimmer of hope for Jim Goodwin’s side, but ultimately proving insufficient.
The win sends Falkirk, currently sixth in the Scottish Premiership, into the last four of the competition and keeps their hopes of cup glory alive alongside a likely top-half finish in the league. Dundee United, trailing Falkirk by nine points with only four games remaining before the league split, face an increasingly challenging complete to the season. This was Falkirk’s first Scottish Cup semi-final appearance since 2023, when they were a League 1 side.
Stewart opened the scoring in the ninth minute, heading home after Ashley Maynard-Brewer could only parry Brad Spencer’s 20-yard shot. The forward’s seventh goal since returning from a loan spell with Dunfermline in January proved crucial in setting the tone for Falkirk’s dominant first-half performance. Barney Stewart, 21, has been a key player for Falkirk since his return.
Yeats doubled Falkirk’s advantage in the 21st minute, expertly guiding Leon McCann’s cross into the far corner. The home side’s superior movement off the ball consistently created opportunities, and they continued to press for a third goal. McCann’s subsequent cross was clawed away by Maynard-Brewer, and Calvin Miller was denied by a timely intervention from Luca Stephenson.
Dundee United struggled to find a foothold in the game until the stroke of half-time. Max Watters sparked a brief revival, setting up Will Ferry, whose cutback found Eskesen, who steered the ball past Scott Bain to halve the deficit. The goal, Eskesen’s second for United, injected some life into Goodwin’s side.
The second half saw a more spirited performance from Dundee United. Bain made a crucial save to deny Zac Sapsford after a one-two with Watters, and the Australian forward later hit the inside of the post. However, Falkirk regained control, managing the game effectively and frustrating United’s attempts to find an equalizer.
A late chance for Falkirk to extend their lead saw Kyrell Wilson create an opening, but Maynard-Brewer made the save, and Calvin Miller’s follow-up effort struck the post. The final whistle confirmed Falkirk’s progression to the semi-finals, much to the delight of the home supporters, who also enjoyed a moment of levity when assistant referee Douglas Ross was accidentally upended by Dundee United defender Krisztian Keresztes.
Falkirk will now await the outcome of the remaining quarter-final ties to discover their semi-final opponents. Their strong performance in the Scottish Cup adds another layer of excitement to a promising season, as they continue to challenge in both league and cup competitions. ESPN provided live coverage of the match, detailing the lineups and key moments.
The Bairns’ focus now shifts to maintaining their momentum in the Scottish Premiership and preparing for the challenges that lie ahead in the Scottish Cup semi-finals. The club and its supporters will be eager to spot if they can replicate this cup form and secure a place in the final.
What are your thoughts on Falkirk’s chances in the Scottish Cup semi-finals? Share your predictions in the comments below!
