Falkirk 1-3: Hibernian: Josh Campbell scores twice on return to boost European hopes for Hibs
Report as Hibernian beat Falkirk 3-1 away from home; Josh Campbell scored twice on his first start in 2026 and Jordan Obita added a third; Ben Broggio scored for Falkirk; Hibs are five points above Falkirk in sixth
Saturday 9 May 2026 17:42, UK
Josh Campbell marked his first start of 2026 with a double as Hibernian boosted their European hopes with a 3-1 win at Falkirk.
The midfielder headed home twice inside the first 20 minutes to treble his goal tally for the season.
Campbell had only started five games this season, but he was called up for a crucial encounter after a run of one win in seven games - and a spate of red cards - had threatened to derail Hibs' attempts to qualify for European football for a second season running.
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Jordan Obita's first-time finish had the visitors three up before the break and substitute Ben Broggio's reply could not stop Hibs moving five points above sixth-placed Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership.
The victory also ensured Hibs will remain in the hunt for fourth spot and a guaranteed European place going into the final two games of the season, which ends when fourth-placed Motherwell visit Easter Road.
Campbell was one of six players recalled by David Gray, who put Raphael Sallinger, Grant Hanley and Felix Passlack straight back in after suspension. Campbell replaced Jamie McGrath after the Irishman's red card against Celtic.
Hibs were ahead after three minutes from the simplest of set-piece goals as Campbell rose well to head home Obita's corner.
Falkirk looked lively in response, with several tempting balls flying across Sallinger's goalmouth, but the hosts continued to look vulnerable in defence.
Warren O'Hora headed just wide from Obita's perfect cross before the unmarked Campbell nodded home the second after Martin Boyle's cross bounced into the six-yard box.
Campbell soon had a chance for hat-trick following Owen Elding's low cross, but he was foiled by some good defending.
It was all Hibs and Nicky Hogarth saved long-range efforts from Daniel Barlaser and Obita before the latter drilled home the third five minutes before the break as he met Passlack's cross first time.
Falkirk lost full-backs Leon McCann and Filip Lissah to injury either side of the interval and looked devoid of threat until Broggio collected a pass 22 yards out and quickly shot high into the net in the 72nd minute.
The home side got a lift, but Calvin Miller and Ethan Ross missed the target from decent opportunities to set up a nervy finish for the visitors.
Hibs face Rangers at Ibrox on Wednesday, while Falkirk would need to cause a major upset against leaders Hearts at Tynecastle to maintain hopes of achieving fifth, which only carries a European place if Celtic beat Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup final.
