Falkirk 2-0 QPR

Jul 27 2008 Michael Baillie

FALKIRK gaffer John Hughes is aiming at the top six and was delighted with this convincing win.

A quick-fire first half double courtesy of a Damien Stewart own goal and a sublime John Stewart volley secured victory against the Championship favourites.

It was a case of the haves against the have nots at Westfield.

QPR were the envy of every aspiring club in Britain when Formula One tycoons Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore took control last season.

And as well as their financial clout the family of the world's fifth richest man, Lakshmi Mittal, has bought a 20 per cent stake in the club. How financially strapped SPL clubs would love that kind of backing.

But while Hughes does not have fortunes to play with, he has wheeled and dealed this summer and brought in experience to aid his exciting young squad.

New arrivals Neil McCann, Jackie McNamara and Lee Bullen (right) all started.

Former Rangers and Hearts star McCann played a key role in Falkirk's first half goals.

For the 15th minute opener he threaded a perfectly weighted pass in behind Emmanuel Ledesma to the overlapping Gerard Aafjes and his cut-back was turned into his own net by Damien Stewart.

Two minutes later Falkirk increased their lead with a stunning John Stewart volley.

The striker peeled off at the far post to make space for himself as McCann swung in a corner and he unleashed a volley which flew through a crowded area beyond QPR keeper Lee Camp.

After the interval Michael Higdon tested Camp with a long-range effort and QPR's Martin Rowlands drilled a shot wide.

QPR's Matthew Connolly was stretchered off, being replaced by Peter Ramage.