Falkirk progressed into the fourth round of the Tennent's Scottish Cup courtesy of goals either side of the break from Alan Gow.

But it was not pretty stuff from the SPL side who were without top scorer Darryl Duffy through injury against the First Division's basement boys.

The win was just Falkirk's second at home this season, although the first half was a poor battle dominated by the home side and dictated mostly by Russell Latapy and Gow.

But despite half a dozen chances they only managed the one significant move against a Brechin side lacking any confidence.

The first real opening came on 10 minutes when Andy Laurie's header was saved by the fingertips of Craig Nelson.

More chances followed for Daniel McBreen on 17 minutes but he dragged his shot wide and a Gow effort slammed into the side netting moments later.

Brechin's first attempt arrived at the half hour mark when Charlie King broke free to unleash a shot which was beaten away to safety by Allan Ferguson.

But the SPL side got the breakthrough a minute later following some brilliance from the influential Gow.

He exchanged a one-two with McBreen before turning his man and selling Nelson a dummy to convert the opener.

Manager John Hughes would have warned his players about finishing the job but they were met with a more determined start by the visitors in the second half.

Veteran striker King, who had tested Ferguson earlier in the match, produced an unlikely equaliser to cheer up the small band of travelling fans in the 2,624 crowd.

A free-kick was flighted into the box and, following a poor clearance, Ally Mitchell headed across for King to net at the back post on 57 minutes.

But if Ian Campbell's side were hoping to build on their equaliser their aspirations were short lived as they conceded six minutes later.

Gow received the ball on the right-hand side and cut in before unleashing a 25-yard shot beyond Nelson.

The goal seemed to take the sting out of a spirited show from the visitors.

Falkirk controlled the remaining spell but could only manage a few half chances as City looked unlikely to level again.

Teams

Falkirk Ferguson, Lawrie, Milne (McPherson 85), Rodrigues, Ireland, Scally (Cregg 60), Lima, O'Donnell, Latapy, Gow, McBreen (Moutinho 77).

Subs Not Used: Glennon, McStay.

Goals: Gow 32, 64.

Brechin Nelson, Winter, Callaghan, White, Walker, Burns, King (Geddes 83), Johnson, Hampshire, Mitchell, Smith (Britton 77).

Subs Not Used: Hamilton, Devlin, Hillcoat.

Booked: White, Callaghan.

Goals: King 58.

Att: 2,624

Ref: M Tumilty (Scotland).