Barney Stewart’s hat-trick inspired impressive Falkirk to an emphatic victory over Hibernian as their incredible return to the Scottish Premiership continued.

John McGlynn’s side were simply too good for their opponents as they backed up their Scottish Cup shootout victory over league leaders Hearts last weekend to move within two points of fifth-place Hibs.

In contrast, David Gray’s side failed to muster a strong enough reaction to cup defeat to Dunfermline to compound a week of poor results and mounting injury concerns.

A change of shape at the interval brought some hope with Rocky Bushiri converting from a corner but Falkirk once again demonstrated they are a top-flight force to be reckoned with as they saw out a thumping win.

The impressive Calvin Miller was instrumental throughout. Bushiri twice blocked Miller strikes early on but the winger delivered a wonderful ball across the six-yard box that Stewart anticipated to tap home for the opener.

The same duo combined wonderfully for the second, trading passes as Miller cut back for Stewart to tap home again. It was a fabulous goal.

Raphael Sallinger produced an excellent save from Miller to keep Hibs in it. Gray reverted to a back four and Bushiri’s counter suggested an unlikely comeback was on.

However, the home side reasserted themselves with Miller denied by a combination of Sallinger and the crossbar.

They wouldn’t be denied as Stewart converted a wonderful move that cut Hibs open before Grant Hanley tapped Louie Marsh’s strike into his own net to complete a dominant victory for the home side.

More to follow.