Livi back in the groove

Nov 6 2008 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

THE Livi Lions rediscovered their teeth and roared back to winning ways on Saturday by beating Morton.

Livi missed a host of chances and a goalless draw looked to be on the cards until Callum Elliot almost burst the net with a stunning winner.

It was Elliot’s seventh goal since his loan switch from Hearts and ensures the West Lothian club are right on the coat tails of First Division leaders St Johnstone.

But Elliot was fortunate to have been on the pitch to net his wonder winner after an off-the-ball flare-up with Kevin Finlayson. Another ref could have seen both players sent packing.

Livingston had beaten Morton eight times in a row at Almondvale but after losing their last three league games no one was taking anything for granted in the home dressing room.

In truth the first half was a horrendous affair with neither goalkeeper making a save. The closest the fans got to a goal was when Gary Miller fired wide from the edge of the box.

At half time Lions boss Roberto Landi brought on Leigh Griffiths after a lengthy absence through injury and Scotland Under-19 duty.

And the teenager sparked the game into life and frightened the life out of the Ton defence with his blistering pace.

Within minutes of joining the action he sent a 20-yard drive whistling past the upright while he had another shot charged down.

But Morton should have taken the lead after 65 minutes when Finlayson rolled the ball across goal for James Grady.

The goal was gaping with Livi keeper Roddy McKenzie stranded but the Ton striker inexplicably diverted the ball wide.

It was a lucky escape for Livingston who finally woke from their slumber and began to create chances.

Midfielder Murray Davidson launched himself into a tackle he was second favourite for and won the ball before playing in Jason Talbot on the wing.

The left-back cut inside and cracked the top of the crossbar from 20 yards.

Joe Hamill was the next to try his luck after being played in one-on-one with Kevin Cuthbert by Elliot.

The Ton keeper, who was linked with a switch to Livi in pre season, made a brave block to deny the winger.

Elliot and Rocco Quinn both went close but just 13 minutes from the end they finally broke the deadlock.

There seemed to be little danger when Davidson supplied Elliot 25 yards out but he turned and arrowed the ball into the top corner to the delight of the home fans.

The final result should have been more comfortable for Livi after Griffiths had two golden chances to kill the game off.

Both were set up by Hamill who threaded superb passes in behind the sluggish Morton rearguard.

But the first chance saw the teenager round the keeper but take the ball too wide with a heavy touch and the second was deflected over from close range.