Hibs returned to winning ways on Saturday afternoon as they dismantled Falkirk 3-0 at Easter Road.  

A spot kick converted by Martin Boyle and a double from Kieron Bowie ensured that David Gray’s men bounced back from the disappointment of last weekend’s defeat to Celtic and secured an important three points. 

The hosts started the game on the front foot and carved out the first chance of the game within five minutes. Jack Iredale burst his way past a few Falkirk defenders whilst driving into the box before forcing Scott Bain into making a save at the near post, who stuck a foot out for a Hibs corner.  

Hibs threatened again as Chris Cadden’s fired an effort from eight yards over the bar, following some good play by Martin Boyle and Dan Barlaser on the right-hand side.

It was all Hibs in the early stages, and they were inches away from netting the opener shortly before the 20th minute as Chris Cadden was involved as he played an inviting ball across the face of the goal with Falkirk defender Liam Henderson making a vital clearance to prevent Hibs from taking the lead.  

A first opportunity of the match for Falkirk fell on the 20th minute with Hibs keeper Raphael Sallinger  doing well to get a hand to Brad Spencer’s effort from outside the box, Man United Loanee Ethan Williams hoped to net from the follow through, but he could only find the side netting from an incredibly tough angle.  

Falkirk had struggled to deal with Hibs’ attacking threat so far, with Josh Mulligan in particular proving to be a nuisance for Falkirk to deal with. 

Hibs were awarded a penalty kick on the 35th minute, Martin Boyle was clipped by Philip Lissah on his way through to goal after being played through by Josh Mulligan, Lissah was shown a yellow card in the aftermath. 

Boyle stepped up from twelve yards out and made absolutely no mistake from the penalty spot as he sent Scott Bain the wrong way, Hibs’ pressure eventually paying off. 

A Falkirk free kick was then whipped into the box, which was met by Brian Graham who attempted an ambitious backheel flick as Raphael Sallinger had to be at full stretch to deny the striker.

Hibs doubled their advantage on the 40th minute as Kieron Bowie took a touch on the edge of the area before curling a stunning strike into the top corner beyond Scott Bain, giving his side a convincing two goal cushion going into the interval. 

With the second half underway, Falkirk made a double substitution for Falkirk, with Alfie Agyeman and Henry Cartwright coming on to replace Brian Graham and Dylan Tait.  

At the start of the half, VAR was involved as a check was ongoing, Falkirk felt as though they should’ve had a penalty for a potential handball from Jack Iredale, however replays showed it came off his forearm.

The visitors began to show signs of improvement, Falkirk attacker Ethan Ross was lively down the left-hand side, as he cut inside before being denied brilliantly by Raphael Sallinger who tipped over the bar.  

Falkirk looked as if they had got one back, when Ethan Ross had the ball in the back off the Hibs net on the 65th minute after calmly slotting the ball past Sallinger, a VAR check would then penalise Ross for being offside and the goal was overturned.

An improved second half display from Falkirk would see Hibs limited to very few chances in front of goal, with the Bairns enjoying the better of possession. 

With ten minutes remaining, Hibs had a third. Keiron Bowie netted his second goal of the afternoon and secured all three points for David Gray’s men. 

It was an instant impact from Josh Campbell as he flew down the right-hand side before fizzing the ball across goal for Bowie, who finished well from close range to cap off an impressive performance from the Hibees.

Next up, Hibs travel to Ibrox to face Rangers on Monday 15 December, whilst Falkirk host Hearts at the Falkirk stadium next Saturday.