A lively start from both sides saw Steven Hammell bend a long-range free-kick fractionally over for Motherwell.
Falkirk then went even closer to the opening goal when keeper Graeme Smith saved one-handed from Danny McBreen and Richie Foran hacked the ball clear.
Motherwell's defence had been warned but Falkirk soon went ahead with ridiculous ease as Paddy Cregg floated in a free-kick and Alan Gow rose unchallenged to beat Smith with a looping header.
Gow's perfect one-two with Liam Craig did not get the reward it deserved and shortly before half time the full-back Kenny Milne needed to make a superb tackle on striker David Clarkson to preserve Falkirk's advantage.
The home side began the second period strongly with Cregg and McBreen threatening the visitors goal but the momentum had quickly swung Motherwell's way and it was no surprise to see them equalise when super skill on the right from Kevin McBride set up veteran midfielder Phil O'Donnell for a low left-foot shot into the far corner of the net.
Gow briefly lifted the pressure on the home team as Motherwell dominated proceedings, although blocked efforts from Clarkson and substitute Jim Paterson were the best they could manage.