NEW BOSS BUT SAME SAD LIVI

Bairns ruin Bartley's big night

- ALISON MCCONNELL AT ALMONDVALE

FALKIRK took what could be a big step towards nailing top-six status as they condemned Marvin Bartley to defeat on his debut as Livingston boss.

For 45 minutes the Bairns were at their scintillating best as they eased into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Kyrell Wilson and Louie Marsh.

John McGlynn's outfit knocked the ball about with ease and dominated a Lions side who looked spooked in the face of their aggression.

But whatever Bartley said in his first half-time team talk since taking the reins from Davie Martindale had the desired effect.

Livi bared their teeth and admirably forced their way back into a game that had looked way beyond them.

Ultimately they took nothing from it but Connor McLennan's goal after the restart ignited a fire in them.

Bartley's boys went toe to toe with Falkirk throughout a second half in stark contrast to the meekness of the first.