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, 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 fierce Livi counterattack in the second half, highlighted by a 47th-minute goal from Connor McLennan.
The win further strengthens Bairns’ top six status. They are currently eight points ahead of Aberdeen, while Livi remain six points behind.
Bartley were hoping to get off to a positive start, but it took just six minutes for their defensive weaknesses to show as Daniel Finlayson won possession just outside the penalty area.
This allowed Marsh to play in Wilson, who crossed goal and fired past Jerome Prior for the opener.
Things almost got worse for the Lions in the 10th minute when Barney Stewart headed in a Calvin Miller cross but was flagged for offside.
The Bairns were in complete control and Brad Spencer almost scored the odd goal directly from a corner as Prior took evasive action to win the ball away. Marsh doubled his side’s lead by slotting home the resulting set play at the back post.
They looked capable of scoring with every attack and only a Miller slip from a clean through made the loss of a third, with Wilson inches away from a wonder goal with a volley that flashed narrowly wide in the final minute of the first half.
The hosts needed a big response after the break and they got just that as the deficit was reduced to two minutes into the half. A goalmouth scramble was half-cleared before McLennan was sent back into the box where he poked the ball beyond Scott Bain from close range.
Falkirk players complained to the referee with Liam Henderson injured in the box, but the goal was awarded after a VAR check.
This sparked a change in momentum but Livi enjoyed some attacking play but were unable to threaten the levelers as Falkirk created the better chances.
Ethan Ross sent a curling effort narrowly wide before Miller rounded Prior but hit the post with the net at his disposal.
Stevie May came on for the injured McLennan and the veteran stung Bain’s palm with a strike from the edge of the box as the home side went looking for a leveller.
The closing stages were frenetic as Livi sent players forward and Bairns looked to exploit wide open spaces but neither side could find the net as Falkirk held on to three points.
