Hughes started a six-match touchline ban at Falkirk

Manager John Hughes was delighted to see Hibernian come away from Falkirk with a victory despite his side being under the cosh for long spells.

"Good, bad or indifferent, no matter how we're playing, we've got goals in this team," Hughes told BBC Scotland after the 3-1 win.

"We came off the first half winning the match - game over, job done.

"At half time, we talked about making sure we were resolute, keeping our lead and playing on the counter."

Falkirk opened strongly and took the lead through Mark Stewart, only for Derek Riordan, Anthony Stokes and Sol Bamba to strike back for Hibs before the interval.

The home side had Hibs on the ropes for much of the second half but could not find a way back into the game.

We're back up into fourth place, which is fantastic, and we've already surpassed what the club did last season Hibernian manager John Hughes

The welcome victory follows a disappointing Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Ross County and an alarming dip in form for the Edinburgh side.

"One or two people have been having a go at the club and the boys showed plenty of character," said Hughes.

"We're back up into fourth place, which is fantastic, and we've already surpassed what the club did last season.

"We have to place demands on the players because I think this club should be successful."

Hughes, who was starting a six-match touchline ban against his former club, was delighted with his side's finishing in the first half but saw his side labour to pose a threat after the interval.

"The thing that frustrated me was that the quality of our middle to front play wasn't there," he explained before looking ahead to Wednesday's home game against Dundee United, who are two points ahead in third spot.

"We're not getting carried away, we'll keep our feet on the ground because we have some important matches coming up.

"I know what I've got, I know where I want to go. It's going to take time to get there.

"There's a bit of frustration with inconsistency. The last month has been disappointing, but the boys have been great for me.

"And for that hard work I hope we achieve success, which is a European spot."

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