RAITH ROVERS 0 FALKIRK 2 Baird (30), Taiwo (72)

FALKIRK’S disappointing start to the season is now a distant memory.

As the Bairns endeavour to regain the momentum which was apparent last season, their victory against a disappointing Raith Rovers at Stark’s Park makes it three wins out of three and brings to an end the Kirkcaldy side’s unbeaten league record.

“The spirit’s back in the team after a slow start,” said Falkirk boss Peter Houston.

“This is a hard place to come and I’m very pleased to be going away with three points and a clean sheet.

“Expectations were high after last season and maybe some of the players had been taking things for granted but that’s all sorted out now and everyone knows you have to work hard to be successful in this game.

“That’s three wins on the trot which sets us up for a big test against Dundee United next week.”

Raith enjoyed the early pressure but it was former Rover John Baird who opened the scoring for Falkirk on the half-hour, the striker latching on to a wellplaced through ball from Mark Kerr, before sending a powerful shot beyond the reach of Conor Brennan.

Baird should have made it 2-0 early in the second half when he was presented with a free header following a cross from Myles Hippolyte but his effort was held easily by Brennan.

However, Tom Taiwo secured the points with 18 minutes remaining, the midfielder driving home following a low cross from John Rankin.

“It was a frustrating game,” reflected Rovers boss Gary Locke.

“We started reasonably well and we were the team which was on top at both of their goals.

“It was all a bit flat and we weren’t as sharp as we have been in recent weeks.”