Hibs had been forced to strive for their victory. And it wasn’t as easy as it seemed. However, Gray’s players were well worth the victory for a performance that had plenty to admire.

Hibs’ energy and aggression made things difficult for the visitors in the first 20 minutes, with Josh Mulligan apparently on a one-man mission to disturb Falkirk.

They couldn’t get away from the all-action midfielder, and with the home side stepping up all over the pitch, the Bairns struggled to even get out of their own half.

Football being completely illogical, it made sense that the visitors would probably force the best opening in those early exchanges, with Rafa Sallinger diving full length to get one hand on a Brad Spencer shot.

The goalie recovered just in time to see Ethan Williams’ rebound strike the side netting from a tight angle. However, Hibs continued to probe Falkirk’s defence.

And it came as no surprise when Miguel Chaiwa burst down the left produced another opening, which Mulligan capitalised on with a slipped ball that allowed Boyle to dash into the box, only to be hauled down from behind by Filip Lissah.

After the mandatory VAR check, Boyle smashed the ball down the centre of the goal from the penalty spot, leaving a diving Scott Bain regrets his decision to leave early.

Hibs quickly doubled their lead. Be honest now. Were you one of the fans criticising Bowie for not allowing the ball to go through to Chris Cadden on the overlap?

From his position on the right edge of the box, the Scotland striker did not look to have much going on. However, his left-footed curler demonstrated the big man’s ability to manufacture something out of nothing, with the ball arcing away and beyond a despairing Bain before landing in the far top corner. Sumptuous.

Falkirk raced out of the blocks at the start of the second half, energised by the introduction of half-time substitutions and cheered on by one of Scottish football’s fiercest away supporters.

Rafa Sallinger had to be sharp to keep Ethan Ross from bringing his club back into the game with a thundering shot 10 minutes after the half, and there were plenty of deliveries into the Hibs box.

Ross believed he’d made it 2-1 not long after, but VAR disallowed his effort for offside. But Hibs had been cautioned about the dangers of playing a high line against a fast club.

The game was basically gone when Bowie scored his second little over 10 minutes later, converting a low cross from impact substitute Josh Campbell.

When the striker was replaced, he was applauded off the pitch, as spectators stood to recognise the importance of the big man up front.