Falkirk 1 - 2 Hibernian FC: Kris Commons scores late winner as Hibernian put pressure on Dundee United

Posted Saturday, December 31, 2016 by PA

Kris Commons' late free-kick kept alive Hibernian's hope of finishing 2016 top of the Scottish Championship as they won 2-1 at Falkirk.

Hibs went into the match two points behind leaders Dundee United, whose match at Dumbarton finishes later, but they temporarily at least usurped their rivals after needing a Jason Cummings equaliser to cancel out Craig Sibbald's opening goal for the hosts, before Commons' 87th-minute winner.

The result was a repeat of the last league meeting between the sides at Falkirk Stadium in August and extends Falkirk's winless run to four league games, while Hibs finish the year with only one defeat in the last 13 Championship fixtures.

There were chances at both ends with Luca Gasparotto and Commons threatening before Sibbald put Falkirk ahead from close range after 15 minutes. However, the lead was short lived as Commons set up Cummings to level things up two minutes later.

Mark Kerr and John Baird went close for Falkirk before half-time while early in the second half Commons missed the target with a couple of efforts, one a header, before bringing a parrying save from Danny Rogers.

David Gray might have done better than shoot wide from inside the penalty area shortly afterwards and substitute Bob McHugh did likewise for the hosts in the final five minutes.

Commons' bullet of a free-kick ensured all three points for Hibs after Peter Grant was booked for bringing down Martin Boyle on the edge of the box.