Hat-trick hero Scott Arfield made a dream return to Falkirk as they beat 10-man Partick Thistle 5-2 at home to move top of the Scottish Championship.

The 36-year-old, who rejoined the club where he began his career on deadline day, needed less than a minute to make his mark, lashing home the loose ball.

But Thistle equalised in the 10th minute through Logan Chalmers, who then teed up Brian Graham to score his 15th goal of the season in the 24th minute.

Falkirk drew level 10 minutes before the break when Gary Oliver tapped home the rebound after Brad Spencer’s penalty was parried by David Mitchell.

Graham saw red two minutes later after receiving two bookings in quick succession and Arfield notched his second before the break.

Arfield secured the match ball just before the hour mark from the spot and substitute Leon McCann rounded off the scoring with 14 minutes remaining.