Falkirk 4 : 0 Cowdenbeath - Higgins at the double for the Bairns

Sean Higgins bagged a brace as Falkirk thumped lowly Cowdenbeath 4-0 at the Falkirk Stadium.

Chances were at a premium in a poor first half with neither side able to create many genuine opportunities.

Higgins came closest to an early opener but was unlucky to see his effort come back off a post after nine minutes.

The visitors responded through Greg Stewart but his effort was well saved by Michael McGovern before he blocked the follow-up from Craig Moore.

Dale Fulton tested Colin Stewart at the opposite end but failed to make a breakthrough before the interval.

The hosts did eventually take the lead after 69 minutes when Darren Dods volleyed home a close-range finish.

Craig Sibbald doubled the advantage, turning in Liam Rowan's cross, before James Stevenson fouled James Fulton in the area.

Higgins converted the subsequent spot-kick before adding his second from close range in the final minute.