Hibernian strengthened their push for European football next season with an impressive victory over Falkirk, ending a run of three straight Scottish Premiership defeats.
Knowing a Celtic victory in the Scottish Cup final would secure a Conference League qualifying spot for the team finishing fifth, David Gray’s side produced a dominant first-half display to move a step closer to that target.
Hibs wasted little time taking charge.
Josh Campbell opened the scoring when he arrived unmarked at the back post to meet Jordan Obita’s early corner.
Campbell struck again moments later, once more finding space at the far post to convert Martin Boyle’s dangerous cross and double the visitors’ advantage inside 20 minutes.
Falkirk struggled to recover and fell further behind before half-time when Obita fired home after Felix Passlack’s driven cross evaded everyone in the box.
The second half was far quieter, with Hibs controlling the game comfortably for long periods.
Ben Broggio finally gave Falkirk some hope with a powerful strike from distance 15 minutes from time, but the hosts could not build on the momentum despite a late spell of pressure.
Hibs defended solidly to see out the win and move within three points of fourth-placed Motherwell ahead of their crucial meeting next weekend.
After recent defeats to Aberdeen, Hearts and Celtic, Hibs badly needed a response and delivered it with an aggressive, clinical first-half performance.
Gray’s side showed composure throughout and limited Falkirk to very few clear chances, bouncing back strongly when the pressure was growing.
Falkirk never fully recovered from Hibs’ fast start and looked a side running out of momentum after a demanding campaign.
While they have impressed in their first top-flight season in 15 years, a push for Europe now appears unlikely despite occasional flashes of quality.
Falkirk manager John McGlynn: "You can't give Hibs the start that we gave them, a goal in two minutes, a very cheap corner kick we conceded and we didn't defend it.
"You give yourself a poor start in the game, you give Hibs a lot of encouragement, you give them a base to go from.
"Although I thought we played quite well after that, I thought we passed the ball really well.
"I thought we got down the sides, we got some balls in the box without maybe getting anyone on the end of it and didn't really force the goalkeeper into many saves.
Hibernian head coach David Gray: "Delighted for the players.
"I know there was a lot of pressure going into the game today. I thought our first-half performance was really, really good in terms of real difficult pitch, this surface, a difficult place to come and play.
"But the players carried out that game plan really well in the first half, scored three really good goals and a real professional performance in the second half.
"In terms of the last three games, the results and the challenges we faced, they certainly got the rewards today."
