Queen of South 0 : 1 Falkirk - McManus boosts Bairns

Tom McManus scored the only goal as Falkirk kept their promotion hopes alive with a hard-fought win at Queen of the South.

McManus got on the end of Mark Stewart's 25th-minute cross to convert from close range.

The goal came against the run of the play with South creating umpteen first-half chances with Derek Holmes and William McClaren missing from six yards.

The pattern continued in the second half with visiting goalkeeper Robert Olejnik saving from Ryan McGuffie and David Weatherston shooting wide.

Brian McLean and Ross Perry could have made it more comfortable for the Bairns, who are now 12 points behind Scottish First Division leaders Raith but have three games in hand, however they directed headers wide.