Owen Eames' first Falkirk goal earned a deserved first Scottish Premiership win of the season against haphazard Hearts, who missed the chance to move up to second.

On-loan Derby County midfielder Eames capitalised on a horror ball across the backline from Hearts captain Harry Milne to finish in-off a post.

John McGlynn's energetic Falkirk were in front after eight minutes, courtesy of Ben Krauhaus' cool finish after a switch-off in the visiting defence. But recalled Scotland striker James Wilson hauled Hearts level 15 minutes later.

The teenage forward - named in Sebastien Pocognoli's first squad earlier on Tuesday - tapped in fellow call-up Josh McPake's neat cross for Wouter Vrancken's side, and he should have put in front before the break, but got his angles all wrong.

Wilson was withdrawn at half-time and his replacement, JJ Williams, scuffed a golden opportunity for Hearts - who would have leapfrogged Rangers on goal difference with a draw - as Falkirk continued to look a threat themselves.

Eames inexplicably hesitated in taking a shot, while visiting goalkeeper Beau Reus brilliantly denied Finley Barbrook with his boot.

But, the Hearts goalkeeper could do nothing to deny the winner as Falkirk - who could have had a third when Ethan Ross skelped an upright - defeated Hearts in the top flight for the first time in 18 years.

When asked pre-match how his side could pull off "the big scalp" he said it would be if Falkirk won this, McGlynn suggested "Hearts are not so solid at the back".

Not for the first time, the manager knew what he was talking about.

Ryan Strain was granted the freedom of Falkirk behind the visitors' rearguard - with Milne and McPake sleeping - and kept his composure to seek out Krauhaus. His finish was emphatic, and nothing short of what the hosts deserved.

McGlynn said he had players who could hurt Hearts, and hurt them they did. When Eames tucked in, to get the disco lights flashing again, it was nothing short of what Falkirk deserved.

On the day he too was recalled into the international set-up goalkeeper Scott Bain came up with big saves to keep his team-mates - who ran tirelessly - in it.

The roar at the final whistle from the Falkirk fans was telling. An element of relief, no doubt, the monkey well and truly off the back.

For all the plaudits Hearts have rightly received this season, they will face fair criticism for this performance.

The backline - comprising of three left-footed defenders - were dreadful and would have been punished even further against a more potent team.

Milne, who didn't look comfortable or fully fit, was mauled in defence and struggled to strike anything going forward. His error which led to the winner was Hearts being the masters of their own downfall in a microcosm.

In possession, Vrancken's side were so poor - not a trait associated with the Belgian's side in the early days of his tenure.

His front three have caught the eye, but there was no cohesiveness about them and it was rather alarming how little involvement Claudio Braga had.

Last season's star man is struggling to get in on the act as much as he, his manager and supporters would like.

It's far from a ringing of alarm bells, but it's a disappointment for a Hearts side searching for second.

Falkirk manager John McGlynn: "I'm delighted for the players. They put so much work in there and played some excellent football and scored some good goals. I thought we were good in and out of possession.

"We have to be good as they [Hearts] have two lightning wingers who are absolutely flying and I am delighted to say we kept them fairly quiet tonight, which speaks volumes for the team and the way we set the team up.

"Absolutely delighted to get the monkey off the back and I think that'll kick us on now. The teams above us not winning, it's tightening up very quickly."

Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken: "The performance was poor. When you look at the goals, they are two presents. We didn't respond well. It is a mental thing.

"We had to match their energy and we didn't do that. We didn't take the responsibility when we had the ball. It was all reactive and, when you are reactive, you can't dominate the game.

"We don't find excuses. Let's hope it is just a small setback."