In the week their complaints about officials made headlines, Falkirk benefited from all the major refereeing decisions here.

In the week their complaints about officials made headlines, Falkirk benefited from all the major refereeing decisions here.

John Stewart blasted home a first-half penalty following Michael Higdon's opener and Raith's spirited comeback was undone by Allan Walker's sending-off by Craig Thomson.

Raith were enjoying the territorial advantage when Higdon finished the first chance of the match in the 16th minute. Mark Stewart returned his pass from the left flank and the big striker slotted home from 10 yards.

Mark Stewart was brought down by David McGurn for the penalty and John Stewart sent him the wrong way from the spot.

Walker received a straight red card in the 58th minute after raising his studs on Thomas Scobbie, who had come on for the injured Jackie McNamara, but Raith pulled one back in the 74th minute when Mark Campbell finished off a slick move from 12 yards.

Mark Stewart killed the tie off with six minutes to go, heading home a brilliant cross from Gerard Aafjes.