Falkirk 0 Celtic 1 as it happened

It wasn't pretty. But Celtic got the job done - and clinched a massive three points in the title race.

Ben Nygren's goal in the final moments of the first-half proved decisive as the champions leapfrogged Rangers into second.

We're past the five minute mark and Falkirk have a late corner...

But it's a poor delivery and the three points look to be on their way to Glasgow.

It's real scrappy here as the clock ticks down.

Falkirk have thrown everyone forward but are running out of time.

Five minutes of additional time.

We're into the dying minutes here at the Falkirk Stadium as Celtic protect their slender 1-0 lead.

The Bairns are probing and pressing high as they chase an equaliser - but Celts are holding firm.

Tómas Bent Magnússon puts ten-man Hearts 2-0 up against St Mirren - and on their way to another crucial three points.

The 700 or so Celtic fans behind the goal are willing their team forward but Daizen Maeda is ineffective again.

Seven minutes left on the clock now. It could be another nervy ending for the Hoops.

Kasper Schmeichel has had his critics, but he's just pulled off a wonder save to deny Ethan Williams!

Auston Trusty was caught dithering again, Liam Scales failed to mop up the danger.

It fell into the path of Williams who fired low but Schmeichel incredibly gets his right boot to it to keep it out.

Johnny Kenny is flung on for Arne Engels.

Calvin Miller and Kyrell Wilson are replaced by Ethan Ross and Ethan Williams.

Another stoppage in play. This time Brad Spencer goes down with a head knock after smashing off one of his own teammates.

He's back on his feet and we're back underway.

Henry Cartwright replaces Dylan Tait.

Kieran Tierney goes into rookie ref Sean Murdoch's book for a crunching tackle on Filip Lissah.

This game is far from over.

Chances have been few and far between over the last 10 minutes or so.

And slowly but surely, Falkirk are growing back into the match.

Tierney looks to have copped a nasty cut, but after a stoppage of play, returns to the field.

Thankfully, he's okay.

Tonight's attendance at the Falkirk Stadium is 7,730.

Great turnout!

Kieran Tierney goes down with what looks to be a head knock and his Celtic teammates scream urgently for the medical team to come on.

There seems to be real concern for the defender. Liam Scales is furious as he has some strong words with the assistant on the far side.

Ten-man Hearts break the deadlock against St Mirren as Lawrence Shankland fires home from close range.

Seb Tounekti and Yang come off.

Reo Hatate and Luke McCowan come on.

Finn Yeats is replaced by Louie Marsh.

If results stay as they are, Celtic will leapfrog Rangers and move to within four points of league leaders Hearts.

The Jambos are down to ten men at Tynecastle after Beni Baningime was sent off early in the first-half.

It's currently goalless against St Mirren.

Celtic have been much better in the second-half.

Their passes have been much sharper and they are moving the ball a lot quicker.

Martin O'Neill's men have dominated since the restart but are just lacking that second goal.

Ben Nygren flights a dangerous free-kick into the penalty area.

Liam Scales nods it across the goal, Auston Trusty headers and Daizen Maeda fluffs it from an offside position.

The ball eventually ends up in the net but Maeda was clearly offside.

Celtic are pressing high on Falkirk in the early stages of the second-half.

The Hoops have suffocated the Bairns as they chase a crucial second goal.

John McGlynn's men need to get a grip of the game again.

Seb Tounekti cuts in from the edge of the box and lets fly - well over the bar.

The Tunisia international is a livewire but must frustrate the life out of Celtic.

His end product is often left wanting, and that's been the case again so far tonight.

Daizen Maeda hasn't looked himself tonight.

Nothing is falling for the Japan talisman inside the box.

He's misjudged a couple of good chances in the six-yard area.

His touch has let him down and Martin O'Neill will expect more from his frontman.

Falkirk get the second-half underway.

An unexpected sub at half-time!

Fourth official Sean Murdoch will swap roles with ref John Beaton as he takes charge of the second-half.

Talk about a sucker-punch.

Celtic have been second-best tonight but it's the visitors who lead at the break.

A brilliant corner delivery from Arne Engels picked out Benjamin Nygren who poked home from close range.

It's so harsh on Falkirk, who have created the better of the chances.

Poor finishing has let them down. But Celtic won't care about that.

The champions lead 1-0 at the break.

Celtic take the lead!

Arne Engels' right-footed inswinger from the corner falls perfectly in the path of Ben Nygren as he stabs it home to put the Hoops in front!