This hard-fought victory, however, shifted the pressure back on to Gers and Celtic, both of whom must now play catch-up on Sunday. Derek McInnes made two changes to the Hearts side that started last Sunday's 4-2 defeat at Rangers, with Beni Baningime and Oisin McEntee dropping out through injury. The leaders, having looked nervy for most of the first half, got themselves in front in the 45th minute. The Jambos almost doubled their lead seconds after the interval when Braga drilled agonisingly wide and the Portuguese forward threatened again when he had a ferocious shot pushed wide by Bain. Kyziridis was also denied twice by the Falkirk keeper in the closing stages as the Jambos closed out a much-needed victory to reassert themselves at the top.

Source: Irish Examiner February 21, 2026 17:42 UTC