Friendlies Clubs· Season 2026
Leon McCann's 7th-minute goal gave Falkirk a 1-0 win over Genk in the 150th-anniversary celebration match, as the Belgian side hit the woodwork three times.
Match Videos
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow it unfolded
Falkirk took the lead in the seventh minute through an unlikely source. Trialist David Ninkovic, the 26-year-old Serbian winger most recently with Perth Azzurri, delivered a pinpoint cross from the left. Striker Ross MacIver could not connect cleanly with his volley, but the ball fell to left-back Leon McCann at the back post, who slammed it home from close range.
Genk, playing their second pre-season friendly in Scotland within 24 hours after beating Motherwell 4-3 on Friday, grew into the contest after the interval. Noah Adedeji-Sternberg fired against the far post on 61 minutes after being played through on goal. Jelle Driessen then hit the underside of the crossbar from close range after a clever one-two in the box. Teenage full-back Wout Kapers also struck the crossbar from distance as Genk's pressure mounted.
Falkirk goalkeeper Nicky Hogarth was rarely called into action directly, but the woodwork — and a superb last-ditch challenge from substitute Connor Allan — preserved the lead.
The turning point
Connor Allan's goal-line intervention in the second half. With Genk pouring forward, the substitute read the danger perfectly to deny what looked a certain equaliser, embodying the defensive resilience Falkirk needed after falling under sustained pressure.
Key performers
Leon McCann (Falkirk) — The left-back scored the only goal and was a reliable outlet throughout. Rarely a regular scorer, McCann's composure at the back post proved decisive. Player of the match.
David Ninkovic (Falkirk) — The trialist's delivery from the left created the goal. His crossing was a consistent threat in the first half before he faded with the overall team performance.
Wout Kapers (Genk) — The 18-year-old full-back was one of Genk's liveliest attackers, denied only by the crossbar from long range.
Connor Allan (Falkirk) — Introduced as a substitute, his reading of the game produced a vital last-ditch tackle that saved a certain goal.
By the numbers — interpreted
Genk's three woodwork strikes paint a clearer picture than any possession figure. The Belgian side created the better chances after the break but lacked the finishing touch against a Falkirk defence that grew deeper as the game wore on. Falkirk's early goal changed the match shape entirely: Genk had to chase the game from the seventh minute, leaving space that Falkirk could not fully exploit on the counter. The 1-0 scoreline flattered neither side — it reflected a game decided by one moment of quality and three inches of goalframe.
What it means
Falkirk's perfect start to pre-season continues as they build towards the 2026-27 Scottish Premiership campaign. The result carries the added significance of a 150th-anniversary celebration, with proceeds directed to the club's Pitch Fund. Genk end their brief Scottish tour with a win and a defeat, having beaten Motherwell 4-3 on Friday before falling to Falkirk. The Belgian side showed enough in both matches to suggest they are on track for their Pro League preparations.
Falkirk face Alloa Athletic away on 21 July in their next friendly. Genk return to Belgium to continue pre-season training.
Verdict
A proper pre-season friendly: competitive, open, and decided by a single early goal. Falkirk defended with discipline after taking the lead, while Genk's profligacy in front of goal — hitting the woodwork three times — will concern their coaching staff. McCann's goal will live longer in Falkirk folklore than the scoreline merits, given the occasion.
Match Events
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 19 Jul 2026