Manager John Hughes knew that was all his side had to do at Tynecastle last Saturday, against a team also chasing the final spot in the upper half of the SPL.

And, with just two games remaining before the split, Falkirk remain in pole position.

Their other rivals, Aberdeen, only drew with St Mirren so the Bairns maintain their three-point advantage – and superior goal difference – over the two contenders.

Falkirk now face Kilmarnock at home this Saturday while Hearts host Dundee United and the Dons travel to Inverness.

So a win at Westfield could effectively see the Bairns realise their lofty ambitions this season.

And midfielder Patrick Cregg knows exactly what that means.

"We've taken another step closer to the top six on a shoe string budget," he said. "So, if we make it, then it would be a massive achievement for such a small club.

"Hopefully if we get there the gaffer will get more money next season and we can build on this."

Trying to work out Hughes' formation in Edinburgh was quite confusing but, on further examination, tactically astute.

When defending, they shaped into a 5-4-1, when attacking a 3-5-2.
"The gaffer got his tactics spot on," said Cregg. "It's just unfortunate that we didn't get three points.

"But, regardless of what anyone says, Hearts are a good side.
"We're trying to mix hard work with good football – playing a passing game but digging out results as well."

That is exactly what they did, restricting Hearts to just two decent chances in the first half. And those came from mistakes at the back.
First Kenny Milne's short back pass was picked up by Calum Elliot but Darren Barr blocked the shot. Then Saulius Mikoliunas was denied by Robert Olejnik when one-on-one with the keeper.

At the other end Scott Arfield shot wide of the upright, Graham Barrett's low drive was held and Tam Scobbie headed over.
After the break it was much of the same but the clear opportunities still fell to Falkirk, the best when Gerard Aafjes just failed to connect with a Pedro Moutinho corner.

Falkirk didn't need to win this one however, and Hearts remained aimless and ineffective – summed up when Michael Stewart's overhead kick from 16 yards flew high into the stand.

Falkirk: Olejnik, Ross, Barr, Milne, Scobbie, McBride (Riera 81), Aafjes, Cregg, Arfield, Finnigan (Moutinho 72), Barrett
Not used: Supple, Clarke, Latapy, Mitchell, Moffat
Booked: Aafjes 45, Scobbie 73

Hearts: Banks, Neilson, Berra, Zaliukas, Wallace, Mikoliunas, Stewart, Palazuelos, Cesnauskis (Ksanavicius 15), Kingston (Screpis 90), Elliot (Mole 68)
Not used: Basso, Tall, Thomson, Jonsson
Booked: Zaliukas 85

Referee: Charlie Richmond

Attendance: 16,682