Marvin Bartley’s debut in the Livingston dugout ended in a 2-1 defeat at home to Falkirk in a William Hill Premiership clash at the Home of the Set Fare Arena.
The Lions’ former captain, assistant manager and first-team coach took over from David Martindale on Sunday, with the former boss moving upstairs to become sporting director after overseeing a 24-game winless run.
First-half goals from Kyrell Wilson and Louie Marsh proved enough for Falkirk despite a spirited fightback from Livi in the second half – highlighted by Connor McLennan’s 47th-minute goal.
The win strengthens the Bairns’ top-six credentials, now sitting eight points clear of Aberdeen while Livi remain six points adrift.
Bartley would have been keen to get off to a positive start – but it took just six minutes for their defensive frailties to appear as Daniel Finlayson was caught in possession just outside his penalty area.
That allowed Marsh to play in Wilson who duly fired across goal and beyond Jerome Prior for the opener.
Things almost went from bad to worse for the Lions in the 10th minute as Barney Stewart thundered a header home from Calvin Miller’s cross only to be flagged offside.
The Bairns were in total control and Brad Spencer almost produced a freak goal directly from a corner with Prior taking evasive action to claw the ball away – only for Marsh to turn home the resulting set-play at the back post to double his side’s lead.
They looked as if they could score with every attack and only a Miller slip when clean through cost them a third, while Wilson was inches away from a wonder goal with a volley that flashed narrowly wide in the final moments of the first half.
The hosts needed a huge reaction after the interval, and they got just that as the deficit was reduced two minutes into the half. A goalmouth scramble was half-cleared before being sent back into the box where McLennan poked the ball beyond Scott Bain from close range.
Falkirk players remonstrated with the officials as Liam Henderson lay injured in the box, but a VAR check saw the goal stand.
That sparked a change in momentum but for all Livi enjoyed a period of attacking play, they were not able to threaten a leveller with Falkirk creating the better chances.
Ethan Ross sent a curling effort narrowly wide before Miller rounded Prior, only to hit the goal frame with the net at his mercy.
Stevie May was introduced for the injured McLennan and the veteran stung the palms of Bain with a strike from the edge of the box as the home side went searching for a leveller.
The closing stages were frantic as Livi sent men forward while the Bairns looked to take advantage of the wide open spaces but neither side was able to find the net with Falkirk holding on for the three points.
