THE WINNER SPL - DIVE FOR SUCCESS PART OF THE GAME

FALKIRK skipper Steven Thomson thought Vladimir Romanov was Hearts' only submariner.

Now he reckons several of the Lithuanian's foreign recruits are also skilled in the art of diving.

Tynecastle star Rudi Skacel had a verbal bust-up in the tunnel with several Falkirk players he accused of rough-house tactics.

The Czech continued his criticism in the warm-down where his accusations fell on the deaf ears of Bairns full-back Jack Ross.

Jambos skipper Steven Pressley was left with concussion and full-back Robbie Neilson picked up a twisted ankle in a game that, physically at least, was fairly tasty.

But midfielder Thomson reckoned players such as Skacel were too fond of falling over at the first sign of contact.

The former Crystal Palace star said: "It was a battle out there. We're in a relegation scrap and fighting for our lives so we'll give everything we've got.

"They might have thought the game was a bit of a physical encounter but that's the way footb all is these days. It's the same with diving. They were at it but it's also part and parcel of the modern game.

"You saw for yourselves there were a few of them diving about out there but that's nothing and it's not the reason we lost."

Falkirk need at least six points to guarantee their safety and will hope to grab them in the next two weeks against Dunfermline and Dundee United.

Thomson said: "Livingston are only nine points behind us and we don't want to keep looking over our shoulders.

"However, we believe we have enough quality in our dressing room to keep Falkirk in this division next season.

Taken from the Daily Record