Barney Stewart's hat-trick inspired impressive Falkirk to an emphatic victory over Hibernian as their incredible return to the Scottish Premiership continued.

John McGlynn's side were simply too good for their opponents as they backed up their Scottish Cup shootout victory over league leaders Hearts last weekend to move within two points of fifth-place Hibs.

In contrast, David Gray's side failed to muster a strong enough reaction to cup defeat by Dunfermline to compound a week of poor results and mounting injury concerns.

A change of shape at the interval brought some hope with Rocky Bushiri converting from a corner but Falkirk once again demonstrated they are a top-flight force to be reckoned with as they saw out a thumping win.

The impressive Calvin Miller was instrumental throughout. Bushiri twice blocked Miller strikes early on but the winger delivered a wonderful ball across the six-yard box that Stewart anticipated to tap home for the opener.

The same duo combined wonderfully for the second, trading passes as Miller cut back for Stewart to tap home again. It was a fabulous goal.

Raphael Sallinger produced an excellent save from Miller to keep Hibs in it. Gray reverted to a back four and Bushiri's counter suggested an unlikely comeback was on.

However, the home side reasserted themselves with Miller denied by a combination of Sallinger and the crossbar.

They wouldn't be denied as Stewart converted a wonderful move that cut Hibs open before Grant Hanley tapped Louie Marsh's strike into his own net to complete a dominant victory for the home side.

Falkirk are a joy to watch. They are intent on taking the game to their opponents and it paid off again here. They absolutely outplayed Hibs in the first half.

They play with a real confidence in each other, with everyone looking to take the ball and offer an option.

Miller has been a standout this season and twice linked superbly with Stewart to unlock the visitors. Stewart has to take the headlines with three goals but each and every player contributed.

When they had to be resolute, they were, responding to a setback with authority.

If staying up was the priority, Falkirk now hold a 19-point lead over Kilmarnock in 11th place. Anyone backing that gap being bridged?

What an incredible season McGlynn's men are delivering.

Hibs were significantly depleted through injury and illness as they slumped to a first league defeat in six games.

The cup exit to Dunfermline last weekend really stung. Gray said there would be no excuses and it was hard to find many in the first half. They improved briefly after the break but were second best.

Defeat compounds a bad week and may well hasten one or two new faces coming in as the window nears closure. A lot of momentum has evaporated.

Falkirk manager John McGlynn: "It was a very impressive display, great goals, could have possibly been more. The performance was outstanding, our football was sublime at times. So pleasing for me and my staff.

"I'm delighted for Barney [Stewart]. He scored a hat-trick. It doesn't happen often, but he made it look very easy. I'm delighted for the team for putting on another excellent performance."

Hibs head coach David Gray: "I didn't see the reaction we were looking for. We got exactly what we deserved. Second best all over the pitch.

"I thought Falkirk played the conditions better; they outworked us and, for this football club, that's not good enough.

"That performance is a reflection of my team, and it's up to me to take full responsibility and try to change that."

A tough trip to face Celtic in the Scottish Premiership awaits Falkirk on Sunday 1 February (15:00).

Hibernian return home where they welcome Rangers on the same day (14:00).