Substitute Billy Clarke, the on-loan striker from Ipswich, hit the winner in the 86th minute last Saturday.

And that means that the Bairns remain in pole position for a place in the upper half come the split next month.

They are three points ahead of Hearts – their opponents this weekend – and Aberdeen.

Only three games remain. After the trip to Tynecastle, Falkirk play Kilmarnock at home then the Dons away on April 5.

Yet the latest win never looked like coming. The match at the Caledonian Stadium had 0-0 written all over it.

That is, at least, until just four minutes remained when Russell Latapy unhinged the Highland side's defence and set up Clarke for his crucial strike.

"You began to wonder where a goal was going to come from, then Russell's run before I scored was superb," said Clarke.

"He's always got that capability. Maybe five years ago, when he had the legs, he would have finished it himself.

"But to come off the bench and get the winner was great, and important for our top-six ambitions."

Falkirk boss John Hughes said that Clarke's goal will do his confidence a world of good.

And, while admitting that the 20-year-old will be disappointed with the lack of starts he has had since joining in January, Hughes claimed he will now come into contention for the starting 11 this Saturday.

"It was a good opportunity to come here and get some games, but I need more," said Clarke.

"I just have to keep working hard and see what happens."

For the full report, and a preview of Saturday's crunch Hearts match, see Thursday's Falkirk Herald.