Bryson (centre) celebrates the opener with his team-mates

Falkirk returned to the bottom of the Scottish Premier League following defeat at home to Kilmarnock.

Marc Twaddle and Carl Finnigan went close for the Bairns early on and Killie's Manuel Pascali was denied by goalkeeper Robert Olejnik.

Liam Kelly went through on the Falkirk goal early in the second half but Olejnik made another important block.

But Killie did make the breakthrough in the 58th minute as Craig Bryson claimed the winner for the visitors.

Kilmarnock are now seven points clear of the relegation spot with Falkirk having slipped three points behind second-bottom Hamilton.

The home side were in the ascendancy early on and Colin Healy's corner created a chance for Twaddle but the midfielder's shot was wide of target.

Enoch Showunmi's header failed to trouble Cammy Bell's goal before the Killie keeper did well to palm Finnigan's angled drive out for a corner.

Falkirk were forced into a substitute in the 18th minute when Vitor Lima limped off to be replaced by Burton O'Brien.

A short corner routine created an opening for Pascali to power a header towards goal from Bryson's cross but Olejnik tipped over.

Kilmarnock then had to make a change of their own as injured captain Pascali was stretchered off, Jamie Hamill coming on in his place.

Tim Clancy played a one-two with Chris Maguire before shooting tamely into the arms of Olejnik as the first half drew to a close.

Finnigan headed wide from Showunmi's cross after the restart.

Olejnik came to Falkirk's rescue again when he denied Kelly at close range, moments before the midfielder shot straight at the keeper from a promising position.

A stinging drive by Maguire forced another block by Olejnik but the Austrian was unable to prevent Killie's opener.

Maguire held the ball up before playing in Bryson with an intelligent pass and the midfielder beat Olejnik with a near-post shot.

Falkirk went in search of a leveller but the introduction of Pedro Moutinho for Showunmi did not produce a change in fortunes for the Bairns' attack.

And the visitors could have added to their lead as Kevin Kyle headed into the arms of Olejnik from Bryson's cross.

Falkirk manager Eddie May:
"The difference in the amount of money which I've spent compared to the other managers is enormous.

"It's a challenge - one I'm brave enough to take on - and if the team is good enough at the end of the day, great.

"If they are not, there will be consequences.

"But you have to look at the whole structure of the football club, in terms of money, and it's very difficult in terms of trying to get a squad of players.

"If you don't put the investment into the team, you're going to struggle."

Kilmarnock manager Jimmy Calderwood:
"Falkirk started really well and they took charge of the first half without creating too many clear-cut chances.

"We got a wonderful goal which gave us something to hang on to, and apart from the 4-4 game, defensively we have been very strong.

"Cammy (Bell) hasn't had too many saves to make. We should have hurt them a couple of times on the counter attack.

"We are making our luck at the moment. It's another clean sheet and Cameron is getting more confident.

"There seems to be a buzz about the place and it's great for the lads.

"Wee Chris (Maguire) is captain of Scotland Under-21s, and not for nothing. Seve (Scott Severin) has played 400-500 games at the top level. He is a quality player.

"I am going to have a headache when they are all fit."

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