Falkirk boss Peter Houston laments slip-up in race for second in Championship

Falkirk manager Peter Houston admits he is frustrated the Bairns passed up the chance to move NINE points clear of Hibs following a shock 2-1 loss to Livingston.

Houston’s side lost for only the fourth time in the Championship this season after striker John Baird missed an injury-time penalty in an incredible ending to the match.

Jordan White opened the scoring after 75 minutes before Sam Stanton added a second in the 90th minute.

Will Vaulks pulled one back seconds later before Baird had his spot-kick saved by Marc McCallum after Lee Miller had been brought down by Louis Longridge, who was sent off.

Defeat leaves Falkirk six points ahead of third place Hibs although they have now played three games more than their Leith counterparts.

Houston said: “Well take this defeat on the chin. It was a wonderful opportunity to go nine clear but we’ve slipped up. There’s still loads to play for and we’ve still to play Hibs.

“They’re still to play their games in hand. We’re still six clear and that puts them in the driving seats in some ways but that puts pressure on them as well.

“It was crazy finish to the match. On another day we might have been talking about a 2-2 draw but the way things went, it didn’t surprise me.

“You have to give credit to Livingston, they did a job on us. They had a game plan and hit us on the counter attack.

“Our tempo was really low in the first half and we were too slow and lethargic and that’s not something I can accuse my players of this season.

“They’re frustrated and I am certainly frustrated to lose at home for only he second time this season.

“Can we bounce back at Queen of the South next week? That’s the big thing for me.”

Victory has boosted Livingston’s survival hopes with the Lions now only two points adrift of eighth place Dumbarton.

Manager David Hopkin said: “We had a game plan and we did well to nullify Falkirk’s threat.

“Everybody played their part in us going 2-0 up, but we’re a young team, and I think we switched off at the end.

“When they scored their first goal, I was thinking ‘here we go’, then they go and get the penalty.

“But the result is no more than we deserved. We were well organised, hit Falkirk on the break, and limited them to very little.”