Livi made meek by Shire in shock defeat

Dec 4 2008 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

Lions made meek by Shire in shock defeat

LIVINGSTON’S dismal form continued this weekend as they were dumped out of the Scottish Cup by part-time East Stirlingshire.

The Lions form book now reads just one win from eight games but going out of the cup to a side who carry the distinction of having finished bottom of the Third Division five times in a row is a new low for the club.

Such has been the Shire’s struggles over the past half decade that a book about the club was entitled Pointless: A Season with Britain’s Worst Football Team.

But since Jim McInally took over the managerial reigns, East Stirlingshire are a team reborn.

They are unbeaten in nine games and are in danger of getting a nose bleed as they sit in the unfamiliar position of fifth in Scotland’s fourth tier.

Livingston are in the grip of an injury crisis, which was not aided by SPL clubs Hearts and Celtic refusing permission for them to play loan stars Callum Elliot and Rocco Quinn.

Moreover, speculation off the field regarding the future of the club and their alleged financial difficulties is having a detrimental effect on the players.

Eddie Forrest’s ninth-minute volley from David Dunn’s corner gave the hosts a dream start as they stunned the First Division title hopefuls.

Livingston hit back and midfielder Liam Fox drew the visitors level just before the break with a 30-yard drive.

After the break Brian Graham restored Shire’s advantage with a wonder goal that thrilled their fans in their temporary home of Ochilview.

Paul Hay threaded the ball through to Graham who cut inside from the left, shifted the ball on to his right foot and curled an unstoppable effort beyond Pierre Martini.

Many expected an onslaught from Livingston in the final stages but it never materialised, with the Shire keeper rarely troubled.

Livingston had a strong penalty appeal waved away in the final minutes when substitute Keaghan Jacobs was chopped down but the referee ruled against the teenage winger and rubbed salt in the wound by booking him for his troubles.

The defeat transpired to be manager Roberto Landi’s swan song, and he offered his apologies to the fans and admitted his side didn’t deserve anything from the match.

“It was a bad, bad, rubbish result. That football was rubbish.

“We only had one shot on goal. I apologise to the fans.”

Livingston: Martini, Mackay, Talbot, McPake, Fox, Miller, McParland, Thomas, Smith, Cuenca (Keaghan Jacobs 57), Hamill. Subs Not Used: Jamieson, Caiafa, Cave, MacDonald.