Falkirk eased into the fourth round of the Tennent's Scottish Cup after overcoming a spirited Berwick team at Shielfield.

The Third Division promotion chasers put in a brave performance on their own tight park, but Bairns boss John Hughes enjoyed a comfortable homecoming at the club where he began his career.

In-form striker Alan Gow enhanced his growing reputation with a sublime 22-yard opener on eight minutes, building on his hat-trick at Dundee United on New Year's Day.

Borders-born Liam Craig - only in the side for late injury call-off Stephen O'Donnell - settled the contest with a 53rd-minute strike before 1,910 fans.

But John Coughlin's men could be proud of their fighting display despite seeing their seven-game winning run come to an end.

Inevitably, it was the Bairns who took an early grip of the contest with their trademark passing football.

On five minutes, Patrick Cregg fed Gow on the edge of the box, who neatly passed the ball back to the onrushing Irishman, but home goalkeeper Chris Flockhart saved the shot with his legs.

However, the opening goal arrived just three minutes later when in-demand Gow executed a stunning finish.

The striker, being courted by Rangers, Hibernian, Wolves and Aberdeen, held off three challenges before curling a glorious right-footed shot into the top corner.

Jack Ross then drove over before Berwick created their first chance when David Greenhill's weak 14th-minute shot was easily held by Jeroen Lambers.

The lower-league team did their best to get back into the match, but despite their endeavour they were unable to create clear openings.

Falkirk looked far sharper in attack and Gow almost grabbed a second goal after 28 minutes when he nodded Kenny Milne's tempting left-wing cross off the bar.

A mix-up in the Berwick rearguard then almost let in Cregg and Gow as the home fans shook their heads in disbelief.

Gow was again denied by a superb point-black save from Flockhart after 36 minutes after Ross had played him in.

Russell Latapy, who had been quiet for most of the half, then saw a weak shot saved by Flockhart as the half closed.

Berwick passed up an excellent chance to level just three minutes into the second period.

Forward Kevin Haynes burst down the right and evaded two challenges before striking a poor shot into Dutchman Lambers' arms.

It was a miss which was to prove costly when Craig doubled Falkirk's lead in the 53rd minute.

Darren Barr's cross from the right was flicked on by Ross and Craig swept the ball home at the back post.

Berwick's Steven Noble then fired a shot over when he should have hit the gaping target.

Latapy fired wide with a left-footed shot after 59 minutes before substitute Steven Thomson was quickly denied by Flockhart's legs.

Falkirk enjoyed the majority of late possession to wind down the clock, to the delight of the travelling support, and Berwick battled until the end without success.

Teams:

Berwick Flockhart, Fraser, Horn, Smith (Campbell 68), Manson,Thomson, Notman, Gary Greenhill (McCallum 68), Noble,Haynes (Shand 78), David Greenhill.

Subs Not Used: O'Connor, Lucas.

Booked: Notman, Campbell.

Falkirk Lambers, Barr, Cregg, Milne, Lima (Thomson 70), Uras,Ross, Craig, Dodd (Holden 70), Latapy (John Stewart 76), Gow.

Subs Not Used: Higgins, McManus.

Booked: Cregg.

Goals: Gow 9, Craig 51.

Att: 1,910

Ref: C Boyle (Scotland).