ARFIELD SETS GOALS TARGET

Arfield - targets goal rush.

Falkirk midfielder Scott Arfield has set his sights on taking his goals tally into double figures this season after inspiring the Bairns to their thumping win over Hamilton.

By his own admission, the 19-year-old was rarely in the game during a disappointing first half between two sides struggling to play attacking and entertaining football.

However, the Scotland Under-21 international spurred Falkirk on to a 4-1 victory with an impressive double during a second half they completely dominated.

Hamilton manager Billy Reid ruefully reflected that "goals change games" afterwards and Steve Lovell's surprise opener on the stroke of half-time gave the home side an undoubted boost.

But it was Arfield's first which effectively clinched the game for manager John Hughes' side yesterday, as he ghosted through the visitors' defence to shoot past exposed goalkeeper Thomas Cerny.

Burton O'Brien rifled in a magnificent third and Arfield won the battle with striker Michael Higdon for the ball to claim his second goal from the penalty spot after substitute Gerard Aafjes had been felled by David Graham late on.

There was still time for a consolation strike from Hamilton, when Trent McClenahan's cross was palmed into his own net by Bairns goalkeeper Robert Olejnik.

However, the afternoon belonged to Falkirk and, in particular, to Arfield, who delivered in style on his pre-match aim to add more goals to his game.

Arfield said: "In the first half I was never in the game. Hamilton are a very organised team, with good players in the midfield, so I think we got a wee bit of luck with the goal before half-time.

"That gave the boys a wee bit of confidence to go and perform in the second half.

"The manager has spoken about me getting more goals this season but it was my own personal aim to do that as well.

"That's the main aspect of my game I need to work on, so I'm delighted to get the two goals.

"I got three with Falkirk last season and one with Scotland, and that's me with three so far (this season).

"I would like to get double figures this season and if I could do that I would be delighted."

Hamilton have been lauded for the way they have dealt with promotion to the Clydesdale Bank Premier League but this was a harsh lesson for Reid's team.

After they just about shaded the first half and began the second in promising fashion, they capitulated badly after going two goals behind.

However, Reid insists the defeat will not induce any panic and he promised to maintain his attacking philosophy against Celtic at Parkhead next weekend.

He said: "We'll go to Celtic and play 4-3-3 and try to win the game. It's a big ask against Celtic but that's my principles and it's our belief we're good enough to go and do that. We'll bounce back."