Prior to this encounter Falkirk had last found the net on April 5, in a game most want to just forget and quickly move on from.

Back then, at Pittodrie, Carl Finnigan's counter against Aberdeen ultimately didn't prove to be enough to secure a top six finish in the SPL.

So seventh has become the target instead and this victory over their nearest rivals for that place, Hearts, at least keeps the race alive somewhat.

It came courtesy of a first half strike from Tam Scobbie, his first of the season, and another after the break by that man Finnigan.

And, despite Deividas Cesnauskis pulling one back with 13 minutes remaining, it was a win Falkirk "thoroughly deserved" according to Jambos caretaker boss Stevie Frail.

"They had more desire and willingness than us to win the game," he added.

Bairns boss John Hughes, meanwhile, was pretty convinced with his charges as well. "I asked for a good passing performance and I thought they gave me that," he said. "It was great to get the goals as well.

"I'm a firm believer in that good performances bring you the results and that's what happened – against a Hearts side which has had a bad year, but are still favourites to finish in seventh place.

"At 2-0 we were well in control. They got a goal back and we well hanging in a little, but all credit to the boys for doing so."
Hughes named four Academy graduates in his starting 11. Nineteen-year-old Chris Mitchell, the latest, lining up alongside Darren Barr, Scott Arfield and Scobbie.

"I thought Mitchell was the pick of the bunch of four guys who have come through the system," said the manager.

"But they all played their part and that's what this club is about, so it's very satisfying."

Indeed, Arfield was the first to threaten, seeing his low drive deflected inches wide of the upright after four minutes.

Hearts took another 20 to register a shot on target themselves – one from Laryea Kingston that Shane Supple pushed away for a corner.

Moments later the Ghanaian's free-kick was cleared by Scobbie and, at
the other end, Pedro Moutinho was just off target with his 20-yard effort.

It was pretty even, if uninspiring, stuff up until the opener, which arrived during first half injury time.

Michael Higdon's overhead kick was dealt with by Steve Banks, albeit at
the expense of a corner.

But 20-year-old Scobbie met Moutinho's set-piece first time to volley the ball into the back of net from eight yards.

Falkirk continued the second half where they left off, Finnigan letting fly with a wicked 25-yard drive.

However, the home team did manage to double their advantage three minutes later. Patrick Cregg's crossfield pass picked out the isolated Scobbie who nodded on to Finnigan for a easy header past Banks.

Cesnauskis made the scoreline a little more respectable for Hearts, if somewhat undeserved, when he evaded a number of tackles and slammed the ball high into the net from an acute angle. But that only came two minutes after the Lithuanian was booked for a blatant dive in the box.

The capital side, lacking any get-up-and-go throughout, at least starting showing some more intent after reducing the deficit. However, the Bairns held out to record their first win since March 15 courtesy, in no small part, of their young guns.

"We don't have the big budgets of the other teams," said goalscorer Scobbie afterwards. "So the club has to look at some of the younger players to come in and do the business."

And that they did.


FALKIRK 2
Scobbie 45, Finnigan 52

HEARTS 1
Cesnauskis 77
(HT 1-0)
Game rating: 6 out of 10
Attendance: 4638
(Falkirk 3986)


Falkirk: Supple 6, Mitchell 7, Barr 7, Aafjes 7, Scobbie 8, McBride 6, Cregg 7, Arfield 7, Finnigan 7, Higdon 6, Moutinho 6 (Latapy 72, 3)
Not used: Olejnik, Clarke, Barrett, Bradley, Stewart, Staunton
Booked: Aafjes 39

Hearts: Banks, Berra, Goncalves, Kingston, Mikoliunas (Wallace 40), Thomson, Jonsson, Elliot (Cesnauskis 67), Karipidis, Palazuelos, Glen (Mole 35)
Not used: Ridgers, Stewart, Zaliukas, Screpis
Booked: Thomson 31, Mole 71, Cesnauskis 75, Palazuelos 84
Referee: Stuart Dougal
MATCH STATISTICS

Falkirk Hearts
53 Possession % 47
5 Shots on target 3
5 Shots off target 5
10 Total 8
4 Corners 2
15 Free-kicks conceded 25
0 Offsides 1
1 Yellow cards 4
0 Red cards 0