Falkirk have secured a narrow 1-0 win over Cowdenbeath, who finished the match a player short, in the Scottish Championship at Central Park this evening.

The home side came close to opening the scoring when Declan Hughes tried to drive the ball in from 20 yards out, but Jamie MacDonald was able to hold on to it.

Falkirk started to see more of the ball before the end of the first half, but John Baird's curling shot finished just wide of the target.

The visitors continued to look the stronger of the two sides early in the second half when Craig Sibbald went for goal from a free kick, but Thomson was ready to make the save.

Falkirk managed to break the deadlock just a couple of minutes later when Tom Taiwo curled the ball in from a free kick, leaving Baird to head it into the top right corner.

Botti Bia Bi could have doubled their advantage just before the hour mark when he tried to flick the ball on from a free kick, but the keeper was ready for it.

Falkirk continued to create the majority of the chances, but Taiwo and Bia Bi both missed opportunities to extend their advantage with just over 10 minutes to go.

Cowdenbeath's hopes of a comeback were dealt a blow when Kenny Adamson was sent off for a late challenge on Baird, leaving the home side to finish the match with 10 men.

Alex Cooper could have put the victory beyond doubt in stoppage time as he attempted to drive it in on the half-volley from the edge of the box after a cleared corner.

The result leaves Falkirk fifth in the table, just a point outside the playoff places, while Cowdenbeath remain in the relegation playoff spot.