Falkirk ended Hearts' nine-match unbeaten streak to claim their first Premiership win of the campaign. A 2-1 victory at Falkirk Stadium lifts John McGlynn's side to 10th in the table on five points, providing a vital boost after a slow start.

Ben Krauhaus opened the scoring after eight minutes, finishing from a Ryan Strain assist. Hearts levelled through James Wilson in the 22nd minute, but Owen Eames struck the winner midway through the second half. The result halted a run of two consecutive league defeats for Falkirk and exposed defensive issues for the visitors.

Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken called it his side's "least convincing domestic display of the campaign so far." The defeat cost Hearts a chance to move second in the standings. Falkirk manager John McGlynn saw reason for optimism. "There was cause to celebrate a first league win of 2026/27 against one of the country’s stronger teams," he said.

Match details

Falkirk started brightly and were rewarded early. Strain's delivery from the right found Krauhaus, who guided his finish past goalkeeper Beau Reus. The lead was short-lived, as Wilson capitalised on a defensive lapse to equalise. The game turned again in the 68th minute when Eames found space in the box to restore Falkirk's advantage. Hearts pressed late, with one effort striking the post, but Scott Bain's goal remained intact.

The match was played in a charged atmosphere. Some home supporters booed former player Calvin Miller during the warm-up, while sections of the away end directed chants at referee John Beaton. Unusual fake banknotes bearing the official's image were also in circulation.

Squad context

Falkirk's win came despite a lengthy injury list. Aidan Nesbitt, Connor McLeod, Ethan Laidlaw, Joe Gardner, and Finn Yeats were all sidelined. The return of influential full-back Strain, who provided an assist, was a key factor.

Hearts handed a start to Yan Dhanda, his first since May 2025, but the midfielder could not inspire a turnaround. The visitors' defensive unit, including Harry Milne, was frequently exposed by Falkirk's direct attacks.

Looking ahead

The victory provides momentum ahead of a quick turnaround. Falkirk travel to face St Johnstone on Saturday. St Johnstone sit seventh, just two points above Falkirk, making it another key fixture in the early season scramble. Check the full schedule on our fixtures page.

This result, following a 1-1 draw with Dundee United, suggests Falkirk are finding their footing. With five goals scored and eight conceded so far, tightening up at the back will be the next focus for McGlynn. The team's recent form now reads one win, two draws, and two losses from their last five outings.

The original report is at Edinburgh News

Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken said he "saw some panic in the team actually in the first half" during the 2-1 defeat at Falkirk Stadium. Vrancken stated his side were "too reactive and not proactive" in a poor performance. Falkirk's subsequent 1-1 draw with St Johnstone on September 19, where Ethan Ross scored a 60th-minute equaliser, leaves them 11th in the Premiership with six points from seven games. Their next match is at home to fourth-placed Dundee on October 10.