Owen Eames’ first Falkirk goal earned a deserved first Scottish Premiership win of the season against haphazard Hearts, who missed the chance to move up to second.
On-loan Derby County midfielder Eames capitalised on a horror ball across the backline from Hearts captain Harry Milne to finish in-off a post.
John McGlynn’s energetic Falkirk were in front after eight minutes, courtesy of Ben Krauhaus’ cool finish after a switch-off in the visiting defence. But recalled Scotland striker James Wilson hauled Hearts level 15 minutes later.
The teenage forward – named in Sebastien Pocognoli’s first squad earlier on Tuesday – tapped in fellow call up Josh McPake’s neat cross for Wouter Vrancken’s side, and he should have put in front before the break, but got his angles all wrong.
Wilson was withdrawn at half time and his replacement, JJ Williams, scuffed a golden opportunity for Hearts – who would have leapfrogged Rangers on goal difference with a draw – as Falkirk continued to look a threat themselves.
Eames inexplicably hesitated in taking a shot, while visiting goalkeeper Beau Reus brilliantly denied Finley Barbrook with his boot.
But, the Hearts goalkeeper could do nothing to deny the winner as Falkirk – who could have had a third when Ethan Ross skelped an upright – defeated Hearts in the top flight for the first time in 18 years.
More to follow.