A goal two minutes from time from substitute Andrew Shinnie was enough to keep Livingston's slim hopes of the Championship title alive against leaders Falkirk.

This was a third Livi victory over Falkirk this season and reduces the gap at the top to eight points.

Falkirk have five matches remaining, while the West Lothian side have a game in hand.

There was little quality in a tense game with the battle for control taking place in a congested midfield area.

But the deadlock was broken when a free-kick by Stephen Kelly was tipped onto the crossbar by Falkirk keeper Nicky Hogarth and Shinnie pounced to nod the ball home.

The win takes David Martindale's side three points clear of Ayr United in third place.

Livingston manager David Martindale: "We've taken 10 points off Falkirk and we're sitting second in the league, so that's frustrating.

"They've scored one goal against us in four games and it was a penalty.

"I'm not saying we should be there because Falkirk have been very consistent. Us winning the league is not in our hands. Second is within our grasp and that's what we have to focus on.

"I think the chances of getting into Premiership next season if you do finish second are very probable.

"We've grown as a team this season and there's more to come from this group."

Falkirk manager John McGlynn: "It's a sore one to take. It had 0-0 written all over it.

"There weren't many chances kicking about for either team. The stats were very even.

"We're in a great position but obviously we came here to strengthen that. We're all disappointed but we'll dust ourselves down and get ready to go again."