Motherwell concluded their preparations for the Conference League third-round qualifier against HJK Helsinki with a 0-0 draw against Falkirk. The match saw the hosts dominate the first half, but they struggled to maintain control as the visitors gained momentum after the break.

Manager Alfred Johansson made three changes from the side that drew 1-1 with HJK in the first leg of their European qualifier. Notably, Mikey Booth made his first Scottish Premiership appearance, joining Jamie Knight-Lebel and Ibrahim Said in the starting lineup.

Conversely, John McGlynn’s Falkirk team underwent six changes, including a debut for new signing Finley Barbrook, following a challenging start to the season.

Key moments in the match included:

• Tawanda Maswanhise missed a chance in the 12th minute.
• Ethan Ross forced a save from Alex Paulsen shortly after.
• Maswanhise nearly scored in the 27th minute, appealing for a penalty that was dismissed by referee Chris Graham.
• Ibrahim Said hit the crossbar with a powerful shot shortly after.

As the second half progressed, Falkirk looked more threatening, with Aodhan Doherty testing Paulsen with a free-kick. However, both teams struggled to convert chances, with Maswanhise and Ben Krauhaus missing opportunities to score.

Ultimately, neither side could clinch the win, forcing Motherwell to settle for a point as they shift their focus back to European competition.