Next three games will shape Livingston's season, says Bollan

Dec 24 2009 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

GARY Bollan says Livingston’s next three games will go a long way in determining how successful a season the club have.

The Lions have a tough festive fixture list as they take on their two nearest challengers in the race for the Third Division championship, starting with the visit of second-placed East Stirlingshire to Almondvale on Boxing Day.

Livi then face a difficult away trip to face Berwick Rangers on January 2 before hosting Dundee for the chance of a place in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup the following week.

After a tough start to his life as Livingston gaffer Bollan (pictured left) has turned things round at Almondvale with his side sitting top at Christmas.

But after watching their 10-match unbeaten run come to an end in their last league match against Forfar the Livi boss knows his work is far from done.

“We’ve got a tough schedule in front of us but we will be well prepared,” Bollan said.

“The next three games are big games for the club and we’ll need to be on top form as they’re important matches.

“I gave the guys the day off after the game against Annan was called off because of the weather on Saturday.

“They have had a hectic run of games lately with all the Scottish Cup replays and they needed time to freshen up and recharge the batteries.

“But they will be in training every day this week apart from Christmas Day as it’s vital we’re ready for these games.”

Livingston fans can look forward to a Christmas cracker when East Stirling come calling at Almondvale on Boxing Day.

The Shire currently occupy second spot in the Third Division and are just two points behind Livi in the race for the championship.

A win for Bollan’s men would give Livi some breathing space at the top of the table and the boss has targeted all three points from the match.

He said: “It’s a huge game and it will be very important for both clubs in terms of the championship race.

“We know it’s going to be a difficult game against East Stirling as they have already beaten us earlier in the season.

“We’re all looking forward to the match and it will be a six-pointer for whoever wins it.

“We had a big victory in the Scottish Cup and that boosted our confidence after losing in the league to Forfar.

“We’ve been on a long unbeaten run earlier in the season and now we just want to get back to winning ways starting with East Stirling on Saturday.”

Like the majority of West Lothian the pitch at Almondvale is under a layer of snow at the moment but Livingston’s groundstaff are set to work on it in the hope of having it ready in time for the Boxing Day match.