Reece McAlear headed Livingston to within a point of the William Hill Championship summit as they won 2-1 away to leaders Falkirk.

Barney Stewart called upon Livi goalkeeper Jerome Prior twice in an early flurry, but it was the visitors who took a 13th-minute lead when, after Nicky Hogarth had fouled Macaulay Tait inside the box, Robbie Muirhead struck from the penalty spot.

Calvin Miller and Ross MacIver both tested Prior as the hosts sought a way back into the game, but they fell further behind deep into stoppage time at the end of the first half when McAlear headed home from close range.

The Bairns grabbed a lifeline 10 minutes after the restart when Brad Spencer scored from the spot after Ryan McGowan had been penalised for a challenge on MacIver to make it 2-1.

Prior saved from Miller and Keelan Adams as Falkirk pushed for an equaliser and Liam Henderson and Adams both went close in added time, but Livi held out to claim a victory which eased them into second place, although the leaders have a game in hand.