Few expected anything other than a victory for the first division leaders when they visited Hamilton, and John Hughes' men delivered in style.
But not before The Accies had wasted enough chances to have wrapped up the points in the first half.
Three times in the first half shots rebounded off Allan Ferguson in the Falkirk goal only for Scott Tunbridge, Chris Aitken and David Hamilton to snatch at their second chances.
But there were plenty of chances for Falkirk, and Pedro Moutinho was twice denied by David McEwan before half time while Russell Latapy and John O'Neil went close.
The goal came six minutes into the second half and was of the sort of quality that might be expected of potential champions.
Darryl Duffy, having made space in midfield, picked out Moutinho's run with a perfect pass. The striker continued into the box from where he ensured that David McEwan would not be allowed to frustrate him again.
The goal sparked a furious Falkirk effort to seal the points and one that nearly paid off, but Duffy's close-range shot cannoned off the crossbar.
Hamilton did their best to muster a comeback and created more decent chances, but Derek Ferguson stopped efforts from Scott Tunbridge and Brian McPhee to sap the part-timers' morale.
Duffy, who was outstanding throughout, had the ball in the net three minutes from time but was flagged offside as Falkirk, led by Russell Latapy, tested the home defence.
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