Falkirk secured an impressive 4-1 victory over Hibernian at the Falkirk stadium after Barney Stewart’s hattrick ensured all three points in the Bairns’ top six quest.
Falkirk started the match with early pressure, as Calvin Miller’s double attempt was only just cleared by the Hibs defence after keeper Raphael Sallinger scuffed his clearance.
Their desire paid off as Miller drove to the byline before playing a low cross past the face of the goal for Barney Stewart, who simply tapped the ball into the Hibs net to give Falkirk the lead less than 20 minutes into the game. After a lengthy VAR check, the goal was confirmed by referee Don Robertson.
Hibs slowly settled into the game and 15 minutes later Grant Hanley was unfortunate not to see his header nestle into the back of the net as Scott Bain’s brilliant diving effort diverted the ball wide for a corner.
Keelan Adams showed great skill to dance his way into the Hibs box, but his curled effort flashed just wide of the post as Falkirk pushed for the second goal.
Calvin Miller also threatened on numerous occasions as his shot outside the box forced yet another save out of Sallinger.
The hosts would once again be rewarded for their efforts as, similar to the first goal, Miller made his run to the byline, this time down the opposite left hand side, and once again found Stewart inside the Hibs box who calmly slotted the ball past Sallinger to give the hosts a 2-0 lead and his second goal of the game.
The visitors displayed more intensity at the start of the second half as Kieran Bowie effort was handled by Bain in the Falkirk net.
Only a minute later, they would show signs of life as Jordan Obita’s floated corner would find Rocky Bushiri, who towered above the Bairns defenders and headed the ball home to pull a goal back for the visitors. This was Bushiri’s third league goal of the season.
They would push for the equaliser as chances from McGrath and Megwa would go amiss, but Falkirk would still find chances of their own as Miller, Wilson and Stewart would all test Sallinger.
Late into the game, the Bairns would restore their two-goal advantage as a low cross from the left-hand side would deflect into the path of Stewart to tap in for the 21-year-old’s first career hattrick and Falkirk’s third goal of the afternoon.
The home side would kill the game off only seven minutes later as Louie Walsh’s tight angle finish would deflect off Hanley, who was unable to prevent the own goal and Falkirk securing all three points in a close top six race.
Following the result, Hibs head coach David Gray said: “I didn’t see the reaction we were looking for. We got exactly what we deserved. Second best all over the pitch.
“I thought Falkirk played the conditions better; they outworked us and, for this football club, that’s not good enough.
“That performance is a reflection of my team, and it’s up to me to take full responsibility and try to change that.”
Falkirk manager John McGlynn expressed his delight explaining: “It was a very impressive display, great goals, could have possibly been more. The performance was outstanding; our football was sublime at times. So pleasing for me and my staff.”
He continued: “I’m delighted for Barney [Stewart]. He scored a hat-trick. It doesn’t happen often, but he made it look very easy. I’m delighted for the team for putting on another excellent performance.”
With this result, Falkirk remain in sixth now only two points behind Hibs and five ahead of Aberdeen after their thrilling 6-2 victory versus Livingston. They next face a trip to Parkhead as they look to avenge the narrow loss they suffered to Celtic only last week in a Sunday 3 o’clock kick off.
Hibernian stay fifth but are now five points behind fourth placed Motherwell following their dominant win vs Kilmarnock, they next host title challengers Rangers also in a 3 o’clock kick off next Sunday.
