JIM Duffy says he took a gamble by playing two strikers against Falkirk on Saturday afternoon — but he was thrilled it paid off as Ton thrashed the Bairns 3-0.

Tuesday night’s star man Gary Oliver missed out from the start through illness but his replacement Robert Thomson bagged a brace after Gary Harkins had opened the scoring.

Duffy was elated after the game with his side’s performance, praising Thomson for his contribution as well as Harkins for his hand in two of the three goals.

He said: “Thommo has been injured the last few weeks and has missed the last few games. 

“But Gary Oliver was ill through the night so he came in, did a bit of a jog and felt not too bad. But we didn’t feel he was good enough to go and last the pace so we decided to go with Thommo and Bob.

“That was a wee bit of a risk because it’s two out and out strikers and we’ve basically went with a 4-4-2. 

“To come away to Falkirk with that formation is always a bit of a risk. Thankfully it paid off.

“It’s been a decent week for us with good results away to Dunfermline and away to Falkirk. As I’ve said before, this division is so cut-throat and difficult that to go away anywhere and get a victory is tough.

“But to come to Falkirk on the back of a difficult game on Tuesday means it’s an outstanding result for us, there’s no question.”

On Thomson’s individual showing, Duffy said: “His second and our third was an outstanding goal. 

“Gary Harkins was absolutely magnificent. Having, not just the vision, but the quality of the execution of the pass to Thommo who had made a great run.

“He just peeled off in between defenders and it was a great finish so it was a terrific goal at any level and he put in a great shift. 

“Overall I think everyone contributed. Gats [Derek Gaston] made two unbelievable saves at 2-0 and that can sometimes change the complexion of the game because if they score, momentum can swing.

“Thankfully Gats’ size fourteens helped us out and then he had another fantastic save. We had to work so hard, our organisation was good. 

“To come here and get just the one point you’d be delighted so to get all three we’re absolutely thrilled.”