Marvin Bartley suffered a tough beginning to his tenure as Livingston manager as the relegation-battling hosts were beaten by Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership.
A quick opener from Kyrell Wilson set the visitors on their way before Louie Marsh added a second to put Falkirk firmly in control.
Livingston managed to reduce the deficit after the break, but their extended run without a victory goes on.
Just six minutes into the match, Barney Stewart drove forward into Livingston territory and found Marsh, whose effort was deflected into the path of Wilson.
The striker reacted sharply, taking control before smashing a powerful shot beyond Jerome Prior from a tight angle to give Falkirk the advantage.
Falkirk believed they had doubled their lead moments later when Stewart headed home from a Calvin Miller cross, but a VAR check ruled the goal out for offside.
Although Livingston passed the ball neatly at times, Falkirk dominated proceedings and imposed their usual attacking approach. Their pressure paid off again after 25 minutes.
Miller delivered a corner from the right, Stewart nodded it across goal, and Marsh was waiting at the far post to tap in from close range.
The visitors went into the interval comfortably ahead, but Livingston responded positively after the restart.
A chaotic scramble inside the Falkirk penalty area ended with the ball falling to Connor McLennan, who instinctively poked it past Scott Bain to bring the hosts back into contention.
That goal lifted Bartley’s side and they began to push higher up the pitch, creating a more open contest with chances at both ends.
Following a slick passing move, Miller broke through and rounded Jerome Prior, but his effort struck the post and bounced away.
Livingston pressed hard in the closing stages but were unable to find the equaliser, meaning Bartley’s first match in charge ended in defeat.
Analysis: Bartley faces tough task but encouraged by response
Livingston’s decision to move David Martindale into a sporting director role and promote Bartley from assistant was intended to inject fresh energy while keeping continuity.
In his opening game as manager, the former captain saw some positive signs, yet the result highlighted how difficult the challenge will be.
Bartley reshaped his side in an attempt to add defensive stability to the league’s leakiest team, only for them to fall behind inside six minutes.
Conceding again from a set piece could have knocked confidence, but his half-time message clearly had an impact as Livingston emerged with renewed belief, helped by McLennan’s goal.
The Lions showed determination and created chances to level the score, but a lack of quality in key moments proved costly. As Bartley admitted, staying in the division represents “a massive task”.
Falkirk manager John McGlynn targeted this fixture as an opportunity to capitalise on Aberdeen’s postponed match and extend their cushion over seventh place — and his side delivered.
Since earning promotion, Falkirk have impressed with their structure and style, and they controlled the first half with authority.
However, McGlynn may be concerned by how his team were drawn into a physical battle after the interval, allowing Livingston back into the contest despite their early dominance.
While the league standings will please Falkirk supporters, their manager knows the match could have been wrapped up more comfortably.
What the managers said
Falkirk manager John McGlynn told BBC Scotland: “We made things harder for ourselves in the second half. In the first half, I thought we were excellent.
“We scored a great goal, had another ruled out, and built a two-goal lead.
“We asked for more of the same after the break, but Livingston deserve credit for scoring early in the second half.
“It became tense and we didn’t make it easy. We hit the post and had other chances to finish it.
“We don’t have the best record here, so the main thing was getting the win. It was more stressful than it needed to be, but fair play to Livingston for their second-half display.
“Our supporters were outstanding again. They travel in big numbers and helped us see the game out.”
Livingston manager Marvin Bartley said: “When you concede two goals in the first half, people might say you don’t deserve anything.
“But the reaction in the second half was huge. I told the players we hurt ourselves with the goals we gave away and that has to stop if we want to survive.
“At half-time I said there were two options — give up or show fight and spirit.
“We must focus on what we can control, and today we didn’t do that well enough.
“It’s only one match and there are lessons to take from it.
“We’ve got a massive game at Celtic Park next, and every game is huge for us now. We’ll review this, point out what went well and what didn’t, and look to improve.”
What next?
Livingston travel to Celtic next Wednesday night (19:45 GMT), while Falkirk turn their attention to the Scottish Cup this weekend with an away tie against Stenhousemuir (19:30), live on BBC Scotland.
