Falkirk 1-0 Motherwell

Latapy scored what proved to be the winning goal

Russell Latapy gave Falkirk three points in a game which Motherwell dominated for long spells.

The Fir Park outfit were impressive in the opening stages and went close through Chris Porter.

Despite threatening on numerous occasions, Well could not make their dominance count.

Bairns captain Latapy got what proved to be the winning goal after 73 minutes, when his free-kick found a way past Well keeper Graeme Smith.

Interview: Falkirk head coach John Hughes

Interview: Motherwell manager Mark McGhee

Motherwell started brightly and David Clarkson set up Porter in the first minute, but the Englishman's shot was superbly saved by Falkirk keeper Tim Krul.

The visitors bristled with intent after last week's 2-1 win at Aberdeen as Falkirk struggled to get into the game.

Porter was denied in the 20th minute when his shot rebounded off the post as the visitors looked to break the deadlock.

Falkirk sparked into life in the 23rd minute when Dean Holden's cross was caused alarm in the Well defence, but the ball was cleared.

Pedro Moutinho threatened at the other end but his shot was turned round the post by Smith.

Falkirk's Michael Higdon (centre) battles for the ball

Scott Arfield then forced Smith into a good save as the Bairns came more into the game.

Clarkson appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after 52 minutes when he appeared to trip over Kenny Milne's trailing leg, but referee Kenny Clark waved away the claims.

Seconds later Krul denied Steven McGarry, before Fitzpatrick saw a weak header held by the Dutchman.

Latapy scored the winner with a free-kick after 73 minutes which evaded the despairing Smith.

Despite pressing in the final quarter, Mark McGhee's side could not find what would have been a deserved equaliser.

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Falkirk:Krul, Aafjes, Arfield, Milne, Holden, Moutinho Scobbie, Latapy, Thomson, Riera, Higdon. Subs: Olejnik, Allison, Barrett, Wallner, Finnigan, Craig, Stewart.

Goal: Latapy 74

Motherwell: Smith, Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds Paterson, Lasley, Hughes, Fitzpatrick, McGarry, Clarkson Porter. Subs: Meldrum, Corrigan, Mensing, McCormack, Kinniburgh, Smith, Murphy.

Ref: K Clark

Att: 5,245