Falkirk ran out convincing 4-1 winners over Hibernian at the Falkirk stadium on Saturday afternoon courtesy of a hat-trick from Barney Stewart and an own goal from Grant Hanley.  

John McGlynn’s side are now only two points behind fifth-place Hibs as their impressive return to the Scottish Premiership continues. 

Despite the visitors doing well to control the first 15 minutes, it was Falkirk who took the lead in the 17th minute as Calvin Miller raced to the byline before playing an inviting low ball across the face off the Hibs goalmouth that was met by Falkirk striker Barney Stewart who was there to side-foot the ball into the net. 

Following a lengthy VAR check for a potential offside, Barney’s opening goal was awarded.

Hibs’ best chance of the game so far came after the half hour mark when Scotland International Grant Hanley came close to equalising from a free kick, Falkirk Goalkeeper Scott Bain done exceptionally well to tip it over the bar and ensure his side remanded ahead. 

Falkirk were unfortunate not to have doubled their lead as they had two opportunities within a few minutes; Kyrell Wilson struck from inside the area as his shot sailed inches wide of the Hibs goal. 

Raphael Sallinger then got down well to push away Calvin Miller’s fierce effort from close range. 

Barney Stewart netted his second of the afternoon and gave Falkirk a comfortable two goal cushion on the 43rd minute. 

The build-up play was almost identical to the first goal with Calvin Miller skipping past the Hibs defence with ease before delivering a low cross for Barney Stewart who was once again on hand to finish beyond Sallinger in the Hibs net. 

The Bairns headed into the interval 2-0 up after an impressive first half showing. 

Hibs made an attacking change at the break with Elie Youan coming on in place of Centre-back Jack Iredale as David Gray’s side changed shape to a 4-3-3. 

On the hour mark, Hibs found a way back into the game as Rocky Bushiri rose highest to head the ball home from Jordan Obita’s corner kick delivery to give his side a lifeline. 

With twenty minutes remaining, Falkirk were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous area as Calvin Miller stepped up to take it 20 yards from goal, Raphael Sallinger was on hand to get a hand to it and tip it over the crossbar for a corner which Falkirk failed to threaten from. 

Hibs substitute Rudi Molotnikov was involved in play instantly as the Youngster picked the ball up in a good position high up the park before he cut inside forcing Scott Bain to save well. 

Both sides had struggled to create any real quality going forward for large spells throughout the second half resulting in a quieter affair. 

Despite that, Falkirk all but secured the three points in the 83rd minute when Barney Stewart netted his first ever hat-trick for the club as any hope of a comeback from the visitors now looked near impossible. 

The Bairns made certain of victory as the game approached additional time, Louie Marsh fired the ball across goal as the ball deflected off Grant Hanley’s right foot as he was unable to prevent the own goal to cap off what had been a disastrous afternoon for the Hibees.