Livingston lose ground after last-gasp winner robs them off a point

Nov 20 2008 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

Livingston lose ground after last-gasp winner robs them off a point

LIVINGSTON slipped to third in the First Division table this weekend after losing a last gasp winner to rivals Dunfermline.

A share of the points at Almondvale looked certain after goals from captain James McPake and Callum Elliot for the Lions and strikes from Andy Kirk and Graham Bayne had the match on a knife edge.

But with just 60 seconds left to play Kirk popped up again to net a dramatic winner which sees the Fifers leapfrog Livingston in the hunt for promotion.

It is a crushing blow to Livi’s SPL hopes and boss Roberto Landi must address his sides form slump which has seen them pick up just four points from the last 18.

On this kind of form promotion looks a forlorn hope - but the Lions boss is confident his side can bounce back with come crucial matches beginning to loom.

Things started well for the hosts as they took the lead inside five minutes when Joe Hamill’s corner was dropped by keeper Paul Gallacher at the feet of McPake who prodded the ball home from close range.

Dunfermline hit back and levelled on 19 minutes when a long clearance from the back caught Livi stoppers McPake and Chris Innes flat on their heels and Kirk raced clear and drilled past Roddy McKenzie.

Livi lost their keeper McKenzie and impressive midfielder Murray Davidson before half-time with Pierre Martini taking over between the sticks and French trialist Milan Thomas getting a chance to impress Landi in the Lions boiler room.

But it was Dunfermline who took control of the game and Bayne headed the visitors in front with a guided header which crossed the line via the far post.

Four minutes later Livingston were level when Rocco Quinn’s clever back heel bamboozled the Pars defence and was converted by Elliot.

The on-loan Jambo has netted eight goals in just nine league games since his short-term switch and tying him down until the summer must be a priority for the Lions.

It looked like Livingston were destined for a draw for the second week in a row until the final minute when Kirk ran on to a Bayne pass to snatch the win and the points to take Dunfermline above Livi and into second spot.

points.

Livingston: Mckenzie (Martini), Mackay, McPake, Innes, Talbot, Quinn, Fox, Davidson (Thomas), McParland, Elliot, Hamill.