Match ends, Falkirk 1, Heart of Midlothian 2.
FalkirkFalkirk1HeartsHeart of Midlothian2
Scottish Championship leaders Hearts stretched their advantage over Rangers to six points with victory against Falkirk.
Kevin McHattie finished superbly for Hearts' opener after being found at the end of Billy King's skilful run.
Soufian El Hassnaoui converted Jamie Walker's low cross to double the visitors' lead.
Botti Bia Bi's turn and shot reduced the Bairns' deficit but Peter Houston's side could not find a leveller.
Hearts fans travelling to the Falkirk Stadium had been buoyed by the news that second-placed Rangers were held to a draw by Alloa Athletic earlier on Saturday.
El Hassnaoui and Prince Buaben had early shots for Hearts before King's driving run stretched the Bairns defence and McHattie turned well before lifting his shot into Jamie MacDonald's top-right hand corner.
Robbie Neilson's side were not content to sit on their lead and Walker's guile and vision led to El Hassnaoui sliding in to apply a simple finish.
David Smith and Will Vaulks shot wide as Falkirk rallied, while David McCracken headed straight at Hearts goalkeeper Neil Alexander after half-time.
The hosts' endeavours were rewarded when Peter Grant's replacement, Bia Bi, spun in the box to send a low shot across Alexander and into the net.
Falkirk almost found an equaliser in the final minute when Joe Shaughnessy fired over from close range following a free-kick.
Line-ups
Falkirk
Formation 4-1-4-1
- 1MacDonald
- 3ShaughnessyBooked at 66mins
- 5McCracken
- 14GrantSubstituted forBia Biat 50'minutes
- 19LeahyBooked at 42mins
- 6VaulksBooked at 78mins
- 9SmithSubstituted forCooperat 49'minutes
- 8AlstonBooked at 59mins
- 7TaiwoSubstituted forShepherdat 84'minutes
- 10Sibbald
- 33Loy
Substitutes
- 2Duffie
- 12Bowman
- 16Grant
- 17Maybury
- 20Cooper
- 23Shepherd
- 28Bia Bi
Hearts
Formation 4-4-2
- 1Alexander
- 30McGhee
- 22McKayBooked at 89mins
- 5OzturkBooked at 42mins
- 3McHattie
- 12King
- 17BuabenSubstituted forKeatingsat 68'minutes
- 6GomisBooked at 62mins
- 14Pallardo Gonzalez
- 9El HassnaouiSubstituted forHoltat 76'minutes
- 7Walker
Substitutes
- 8Robinson
- 10Holt
- 11Nicholson
- 13Hamilton
- 19Keatings
- 28Buchanan
- 34McKirdy
- Referee:
- Calum Murray
- Attendance:
- 7,003
Match Stats
Home TeamFalkirkAway TeamHearts
- Possession
- Home45%
- Away55%
- Shots
- Home7
- Away7
- Shots on Target
- Home4
- Away4
- Corners
- Home2
- Away4
- Fouls
- Home11
- Away13
Live Text
Post update
Full Time
Second Half ends, Falkirk 1, Heart of Midlothian 2.
Post update
Attempt missed. Joe Shaughnessy (Falkirk) left footed shot from the left side of the six yard box is too high following a set piece situation.
Booking
Brad McKay (Heart of Midlothian) is shown the yellow card.
Post update
Botti Bia Bi (Falkirk) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Post update
Foul by Brad McKay (Heart of Midlothian).
Post update
Foul by Will Vaulks (Falkirk).
Post update
Kevin McHattie (Heart of Midlothian) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Substitution
Substitution, Falkirk. Scott Shepherd replaces Tom Taiwo.
Post update
Botti Bia Bi (Falkirk) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Post update
Foul by Kevin McHattie (Heart of Midlothian).
Post update
Attempt missed. James Keatings (Heart of Midlothian) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left.
Booking
Will Vaulks (Falkirk) is shown the yellow card.
Post update
Will Vaulks (Falkirk) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Post update
Foul by James Keatings (Heart of Midlothian).
Post update
Luke Leahy (Falkirk) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Post update
Foul by Jamie Walker (Heart of Midlothian).
Substitution
Substitution, Heart of Midlothian. Jason Holt replaces Soufian El Hassnaoui.
Post update
Blair Alston (Falkirk) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Post update
Foul by Morgaro Gomis (Heart of Midlothian).
