Livingston FC's Griffiths maintains rich vein of form

Aug 21 2008 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

THE rampant Lions roared to within a point of the top of the First Division after Roberto Landi masterminded Livingston’s fourth win a row.

As he has already been so often in the early part of the new season, star turn was teen striker Leigh Griffiths.

Sparky celebrated turning 18 this week with an assist and a goal in a man-of-the-match display at Cappielow.

Midfielder Murray Davidson delighted the travelling support with the opener and Griffiths doubled the lead a few minutes later.

Brian Wake pulled a goal back before the break but it was to no avail as Livingston racked up their fifth win in six games since Landi took over at Almondvale.

Livingston sported black armbands during the game in tribute to team-mate Raffael De Vita, whose father sadly died at the weekend.

The Lions started the game impressively, when Rocco Quinn — making his first start for the West Lothian side — cracked the post after linking up with Joe Hamill before Davidson went one better and broke the deadlock after just 10 minutes.

The midfielder was sent off on his last visit to Greenock but it was a happier return for the 20-year-old as he drilled home from the edge of the box after a knockdown by Griffiths.

And just two minutes later Griffiths grabbed the second to send the still-celebrating Livi fans into raptures.

Morton defender Allan McManus made a hash of a clearance and Scotland’s top goalscorer slammed the ball past the rooted Kevin Cuthbert.

The Lions took complete control of the match and Griffiths should have made it 3-0 when he peeled off his marker, but he sent his header well over the top.

Instead of Livi adding to their tally, it was Morton who netted next, when Wake burst through and curled a lovely shot in via the post on 31 minutes.

After the interval Livingston tried to kill the game off with a third goal and skipper James McPake came close with a thunderous free-kick while Griffiths went close with another searching drive.

But the hosts would have stolen a share of the points but for a brilliant save by Pierre Martini, who raced off his goal-line and denied Wake after the Ton man had been sent clean through.

Livingston: Martini, Mackay, Talbot, McPake, Fox, Innes, McParland, Davidson (Miller 82), Quinn, Griffiths, Hamill.

Subs Not Used: Cave, MacDonald, Smith, Jamieson.