PROMOTE CONTROL

Lions still have Bairns number as Pittman and Co wrap up cosy victory

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LIVINGSTON continued to be Falkirk’s bogey side as they won the battle of the Premiership new boys.

Davie Martindale's men won three and drew the other of the four games last season, despite Falkirk going on to win the Championship.

And they stretched their impressive run against the Bairns to claim a first win on their return to the Premiership.

Veteran midfielder Scott Pittman led the way by netting for the second week in a row.

He followed on from last week's late equaliser at Kilmarnock to open the scoring here.

Lewis Smith doubled the lead with a brilliant strike on the stroke of halftime, before Robbie Muirhead saw a penalty saved by Bairns keeper Scott Bain.

Ross Maclver gave Falkirk hope but Livi sub Jeremy Bokila quashed it when he struck late on.

Falkirk - backed by a big travelling support - made a fast start but it was the home side who took a 19th minute lead through Pittman.

Graham Carey wrestled possession off Falkirk and Smith drove forward.

He teed up Muirhead, who pushed the ball into the middle for Pittman to stab home from a few yards out.

It was a blow for Bairns but it got worse when Livingston doubled their advantage deep into first-half added time.

A marauding run from on-loan Celtic fullback Adam Montgomery saw him charge upfield before laying the ball off to Macaulay Tait.