First-half headers from Barney Stewart and Finn Yeats sent Falkirk into the Scottish Cup semi-finals and ended Dundee United’s hopes of reaching Hampden.
The hosts made the most of a dominant opening spell and despite Julius Eskesen pulling a goal back for United, Jim Goodwin’s side could not stop John McGlynn’s side enjoy another step forward in what has already been a season to remember.
Falkirk started brightly and found themselves ahead after just 10 minutes. Brad Spencer swept in a shot from the edge of the box that keeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer could only parry away.
Barney Stewart was well-placed to head in the rebound and score his seventh goal in 13 games for the Bairns.
They opened up a two-goal cushion midway through the half, when Leon McCann found space on the left to deliver an inviting cross which Yeats met with a thumping header past Maynard-Brewer.
At that point, as Falkirk dominated possession and kept pushing forward, it seemed like a question of how many the hosts might score but just before half-time, United grabbed a lifeline.
Will Ferry cut the ball back across goal from the left-hand side of the box and Eskesen, who scored the winner the last time the teams met, firmly side-footed beyond Scott Bain.
Immediately after the break, United forced two corners and showed an intent that brought noisy encouragement from the travelling support as Falkirk began to look uncertain for the first time.
Bain was forced into a huge save when Zac Sapsford burst in on goal but the visitors could not make the most of a spell on top.
Johnny Russell was introduced as United pressed for an equaliser and he almost had an instant impact, producing a clever flick that allowed Ferry to cut back for Sapsford, whose finish came off the inside of the post and bounced into Bain’s arms.
At the other end, Calvin Miller did likewise in a frantic finish with Falkirk seeing the game out.
Last season’s Championship winners will now look to Sunday’s semi-final draw to learn who they will face at the national stadium next month as they look to take another step towards silverware in..
