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 second-half fightback from Livi – highlighted by Connor McLennan’s goal in the 47th minute.
The victory strengthens the Bairns’ top-six qualifications, who are now eight points ahead of Aberdeen, while Livi are 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 show when Daniel Finlayson was tackled 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 when Barney Stewart thundered home a header from Calvin Miller’s cross, only to be flagged for offside.
The Bairns were in total control and Brad Spencer almost produced a freak goal direct from a corner, with Prior dodging to knock the ball away – only for Marsh to turn 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 slide when clean through cost them a third while Wilson was inches away from a wonder goal with a volley that flashed narrowly over in the final moments of the first half.
The hosts needed a huge response after the break, and they got just that when two minutes were reduced into the half. A goal kick was half cleared before being sent back into the box where McLennan poked the ball past Scott Bain from close range.
Falkirk players protested to the referees as Liam Henderson lay injured in the box, but a VAR check saw the goal stand.
It sparked a change in momentum, but for all that Livi enjoyed a period of attacking play, they were unable to threaten an equalizer with Falkirk creating the better chances.
Ethan Ross sent a curling effort narrowly wide before Miller rounded Prior, only to hit the crossbar with the net at his mercy.
Stevie May was introduced for the injured McLennan and the veteran stung Bain’s palms with a strike from the edge of the box as the home side looked for an equaliser.
The closing stages were frantic as Livi sent men forward while the Bairns looked to capitalize on the open spaces, but neither side was able to find the net and Falkirk held on for the three points.