Josh Campbell marked his first start of 2026 with a stunning double to propel Hibernian to a crucial 3-1 victory over Falkirk, keeping their European aspirations alive. The midfielder, recalled after a spate of suspensions, headed home twice inside the opening 20 minutes to triple his season tally and set Hibs on course for a dominant win at the Falkirk Stadium.
Manager David Gray made six changes following a dismal run of one win in seven games, which had been compounded by red cards. Raphael Sallinger, Grant Hanley, and Felix Passlack returned from suspension, while Campbell replaced the banned Jamie McGrath. The revamped lineup paid immediate dividends as Campbell rose unmarked to nod in Jordan Obita's corner after just three minutes.
Hibs doubled their lead when Martin Boyle's cross bounced into the six-yard box, where Campbell again found space to head home. The visitors continued to press, with Warren O'Hora heading just wide from Obita's delivery, and Campbell had a chance for a hat-trick before half-time but was denied by stout defending.
Just before the break, Obita drilled a first-time finish from Passlack's cross to make it 3-0, leaving Falkirk shell-shocked. The hosts lost full-backs Leon McCann and Filip Lissah to injuries either side of the interval, further denting their hopes. Substitutes Calvin Miller and Ethan Ross missed decent opportunities to set up a nervy finish for Hibs.
Falkirk grabbed a lifeline in the 72nd minute when Ben Broggio collected a pass 22 yards out and fired high into the net. The goal sparked a brief resurgence, but the home side could not find an equalizer. The win moved Hibs five points clear of sixth-placed Falkirk and kept them in contention for fourth spot, which guarantees European football.
Hibs face Rangers at Ibrox on Wednesday, while Falkirk must cause an upset against leaders Hearts to keep slim hopes of finishing fifth, which only yields a European place if Celtic beat Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup final. The result ensures the Edinburgh side remain in the hunt for a second consecutive European campaign heading into the final two games of the season.
Based on reporting from SkySports | News.
