Newly promoted Falkirk earned their first top-flight victory in 15 years as they saw off 10-man Aberdeen to leave them bottom of the Scottish Premiership.

While the visitors would have been fresh after having last weekend off, the hosts stepped out in the Granite City hoping there was no physical or mental hangover following their midweek Europa League play-off defeat to FCSB in Romania.

Aberdeen had the better of a first half which saw a whirling wind make life difficult for both sides.

The Dons created several decent chances, with Falkirk keeper Scott Bain having to produce good saves to deny Topi Keskinen twice and Nicolas Milanovic.

At the other end, Bain's Aberdeen counterpart Dimitar Mitov did well to turn a powerful Brad Spencer shot wide.

As the interval approached, the home side were reduced to 10 men when Nicky Devlin was sent off following a robust challenge on Calvin Miller.

Devlin was initially booked, but that was upgraded to red after referee Ross Hardie was called to the monitor by the video assistant referee (VAR).

With the extra man advantage Falkirk took charge after the break.

Mitov produced good saves to deny Dylan Tait and Scott Arfield, while Spencer had an effort cleared off the line.

So it was no surprise when the visitors took the lead. Substitute Kyrell Wilson, a recent arrival from Swansea City, drilled the ball into the net on 74 minutes to secure the three points for John McGlynn's side.

After a hectic few days Jimmy Thelin will probably welcome the international break.

How they emerge from it could define the kind of season they have. The Dons have known for some time they have a hectic schedule of European and domestic fixtures to juggle for the next few months.

But this is still a squad that is short of striking options.

Today was another example, Aberdeen created several good scoring opportunities and couldn't take them.

Increasing those options between now and the end of the transfer window could prove pivotal in terms of how Aberdeen fare between now and the next one opening at the turn of the year.

The step up to the Premiership was always going to be a challenge for top division new boys Falkirk.

But there are plenty of positives they can take from their showing at Pittodrie and not just because they won the game.

They were organised and disciplined and showed the game awareness to capitalise on having the extra man for so long in the match.

The Bairns have adapted well to the step up to the top tier.

They have had to deal with a number of injuries – once they have a fully fit squad at their disposal , John McGlynn's side will be a real handful for anyone as the season wears on.

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin tells BBC Scotland: "The level we're performing right now in our calmness of play and decision making as a team is not good enough and that's my responsibility. We need to sit down now and find a way to win games."

On the red card for Nick Devlin, the Swede added: "I haven't seen it yet. But it was a red card and it was then difficult for us to get a result - but we could've stayed in the game better. I think we can do better when we're a man down and try to keep a clean sheet.

"It's small things and we have to make better decisions under pressure. That's the main thing for us just now.

"We have no points and no goals. Some of the performances have been okay, but it's not good enough."

Falkirk manager John McGlynn tells BBC Scotland: "I'm absolutely delighted to come up here and get three points. Everyone is going back down to Falkirk very happy.

"We had to hang in there in the first half. I thought Aberdeen played well, but we also defended well and created opportunities.

"We had to dig in in the first half and we made the extra-man advantage count in the second half. I don't think the sending off was malicious, it was an honest attempt on the ball, but I haven't watched it back.

"We showed good composure. Aberdeen set up very well and made it difficult for us, but we were persistent and kept at it."

Aberdeen face the Premiership's other newly promoted team, Livingston, at Pittodrie when they return after the international break on 13 September (1500 BST).

Falkirk are back in action on the same day at home to St Mirren (1500).