Kevin Nisbet celebrates putting Aberdeen in frontSNS

Kevin Nisbet scored his seventh goal of the Premiership this season

At a glance

  • Robinson's welcome party pooped by Falkirk's late leveller

  • Nisbet had nodded the Dons in front when he pounced on Bain's mistake

  • But Stewart continued his fine form by nodding in an equaliser in the 88th minute

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

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14/03/2026 20:00

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Stephen Robinson's debut as Aberdeen head coach was ruined by an 88th-minute Falkirk equaliser, but John McGlynn's side will have to wait to have their Scottish Premiership top-six place confirmed.

In a game that often lacked the quality in front of goal, it was Kevin Nibset who finally opened the scoring for Aberdeen as the striker pounced on a Scott Bain error.

But it was Falkirk striker Barney Stewart who would have the final say, with the on-form youngster once again coming up with another big moment.

This time, he rose at the back post to meet a superb Ethan Ross cross, nodding the ball back across Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov and into the far corner.

It was a largely deserved goal for Falkirk, but manager McGlynn had wanted all three points to all but confirm their place in the top half of the league with a few games to go before the split.

Aberdeen, meanwhile, are just looking for "stability" according to new boss Robinson, with their place in the bottom six already confirmed.

They remain ninth as it stands.

Analysis: Aberdeen stabilise while Stewart rise continues

There is a train of thought that Falkirk might feel more aggrieved to leave without all three points.

They gifted their goal to Aberdeen, with a mistake from Bain, which has been rare this season.

The expected goals might suggest the Dons created more, but the reality is that 0.99 of that came from Nisbet's goal.

Aberdeen only had one or two more chances - Marko Lazetic's close-range drive and Graeme Shinnie's poke at goal - but generally they didn't threaten.

At the other end, Falkirk will be disappointed they did not force Mitov to do more. Finn Yeats had a shot deflect just wide and Calvin Miller curled one over, but that was about it - other than the Stewart goal.

While Robinson will make the headlines, Stewart's incredible rise continues. With a Scotland squad announced on Monday, he has done his chances no harm with another goal.

As for the Aberdeen, Falkirk's lack of clear-cut chances was an encouraging sign. They have been dismal at the back in recent weeks, with the 3-0 loss to Dunfermline a clear demonstration of how bad things had become.

Pre-match, Robinson delivered a message. He spoke of simplifying things, of a club that needs stability. From those who have watched his teams in recent years, he is a man who can certainly do those things.

What they said

Aberdeen head coach Stephen Robinson told BBC Scotland: "We looked a lot more structured and organised than we have been.

"We only had one day to work on that. Up against a very good Falkirk team that didn't look like they were going to score.

"We can be much better on the ball. We looked like a team that have lost five out of six games. Confidence is fragile, but they know they have a structure to work on."

Falkirk manager John McGlynn: "It's a fair result overall, don't think there was much in it and no one did enough to win it.

"They pressed very well, we expected that. We knew they'd run harder. That's where the mistake came from. It cost us a goal. Scott has saved us on many occasions.

"We showed great character and mentality to score the equaliser. A great ball in from Ethan Ross and a great header from Barney so I'm delighted to go down the road with a point."

What's next?

Aberdeen travel to Ibrox next Saturday in a later kick off (17:45 GMT) while Falkirk welcome St Mirren earlier in the day (15:00).

Player of the match

B. Stewart
7.53
15 K. Nisbet
5.20
22 J. Milne
4.95
38 D. Lobban
4.85
1 D. Mitov
4.69
21 G. Molloy
4.50
8 D. Geiger
4.49
3 M. Frame
4.40
16 S. Armstrong
4.38
25 L. Cameron
4.31
23 L. Morrison
4.08
4 G. Shinnie
3.83
27 M. Lazetić
3.77
18 A. Palaversa
3.58
20 T. Olusanya
3.53
28 A. Jensen
3.35
6 S. Heltne Nilsen
3.35
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