Fresh from their victory in the Bell's Challenge Cup final last week, Falkirk resumed their quest for the first division title at Stark's Park with a comprehensive victory over bottom-of-the-table Raith Rovers, who were forced to field a team populated by YTS youngsters due to an injury crisis.
There was a frantic opening to the game with both sides creating chances to open the scoring, the best of which fell to Falkirk striker Darryl Duffy who struck the post after only three minutes.
Duffy again found himself in the clear two minutes later when, faced with only Raith goalkeeper Rudy Pounoussamy to beat, he somehow managed to direct his shot horrendously wide of goal.
Falkirk midfielder John O'Neil was proving particularly influential as the visitors pushed for an opener, and after 42 minutes he sent in a superb long-range effort which was saved brillianly by Pounoussamy.
Shortly afterwards Daniel McBreen, making his first start for Falkirk, headed straight at the Raith goalkeeper following a well-placed cross from Pedro Moutinho.
Falkirk finally took lead in first half injury time when McBreen shot home after a move involving Moutinho and Russell Latapy. The points were wrapped up for the Bairns 14 minutes into the second half when Duffy made it 2-0 from the penalty spot after a foul on Moutinho.
Man-of-the-match Mountinho should have made it 3-0 late in the game, but his close range shot was saved superbly by the over-worked Pounoussamy.