Relegation never on radar in 'remarkable' Bairns season

Before a ball was kicked last summer, I doubt even the most optimistic of Falkirk fans would have predicted we would be mathematically safe from automatic relegation by the beginning of March.

Yet that is exactly what we have achieved following our stunning 5‑1 victory over Kilmarnock.

Understandably, we were among the bookies' and many pundits' favourites for a quick return to the Championship, but the truth is a relegation battle has never been on the radar this season.

To reach this stage playing the way we have, and to be in a strong spot for a top-six finish, makes it even more remarkable - especially since seven of Saturday's starting XI were with us in League One just a couple of seasons back.

What made Saturday's victory arguably our most impressive of the season so far was we could easily have racked up even more goals – something even Killie boss Neil McCann alluded to.

It also reaffirmed this squad's resilience. After losing our two previous matches, bouncing back in such emphatic fashion means we have reached this stage of the season without suffering three defeats in a row - something else that would have been hard to envisage prior to our return to the top flight after a 15-year absence, particularly with an inexperienced squad shaped by a slow summer transfer window.

It all bodes well for a thrilling end to the season across the division and sets us up nicely for Friday night's Scottish Cup quarter-final against Dundee United, with a trip to Hampden firmly in sight.