Livi new boy scores crucial goal

Aug 14 2008 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

LIVINGSTON fledgling Gordon Smith grabbed a crucial winner to send the Lions into the second round of the Co-operative Insurance Cup on the rain-lashed astro-turf at Ochilview.

The teenager picked the perfect time to break his senior duck by bundling home the winning goal just seven minutes from the end of extra-time to break East Stirlingshire’s hearts.

Roberto Landi rested several of his first picks, including captain James McPake, Dave Mackay and Tony McParland, for the clash with the Third Division side on the artificial pitch in Stenhousemuir.

Into the starting line-up came Cameron Macdonald, Gary Miller and Keaghan Jacobs but the Lions struggled to break down the well organised Shire.

Liam Fox shattered the deadlock with a 25-yard thunderbolt 10 minutes from time but East Stirling substitute Bryan Graham forced extra time with a last-gasp equaliser deep into added time.

But Scotland under-17 international Smith entered the fray and clinched the see-saw tie when he forced both the ball and keeper John Hillcoat over the line for a dramatic winner.

Livingston: Martini, Miller, Talbot, McDonald, Fox, Innes, K Jacobs, Davidson, Cuenca (Sinclair 90), Griffiths (Smith 88), Hamill.

Subs not used: Jamieson, Cave, D Jacobs.