Livingston lose out to Harkins wonderstrike on Scottish Cup duty

Jan 28 2010 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

LIVINGSTON’S Scottish Cup adventure ended at the hands of Dundee last week, but the Lions put up a sensational display against the First Division leaders.

A wonder goal from Garry Harkins was enough to secure the Dens Park side a fifth-round tie at home to Ayr United – but it could have been so different for the Lions.

Skipper Liam Fox missed a first-half penalty and Livi battered the Dark Blues back line, only to find stand-in keeper Derek Soutar in top form.

The Lions hadn’t played a competitive match since their 7-1 mauling of Clyde in the last round of the Cup on December 14 but they didn’t lack sharpness.

Robbie Winters had an early flash of goal, while a low free-kick into the heart of the penalty area was hacked clear.

Jason Talbot fashioned another chance for the Third Division leaders when he picked out Raffaele De Vita with an inswinging cross from the left, but the Italian’s header was blocked by Soutar.

Dundee midfielder Craig Forsyth almost gifted Livi the opener after he gave Keaghan Jacobs possession. He crossed for Winters but his glancing header was clawed away by Soutar.

It proved to be a crucial save as the visitors broke the deadlock just after the half-hour mark. Harkins made space for himself 25 yard out and unleashed a ferocious drive that zipped beyond McKenzie.

Livingston had a golden opportunity to get back onto level terms minutes later when they were awarded a spot-kick after Darren Young was penalised for hauling down De Vita inside the box.

Skipper Fox took the penalty but didn’t get enough power or pace on the effort and Soutar flung himself to his left and pushed the ball away.

After the break, Livi went all-out for an equaliser but found Soutar in superb form.

Halliday showed a tremendous turn of pace to burst between three Dundee defenders and curled the ball goalwards but Soutar made a great stop.

The ball then sat up for De Vita, who thought he’d scored, but the Dens keeper popped up from nowhere to get a hand on the ball to push it over the top.

It was a thrilling cup tie and Livingston kept the pressure up almost forcing Dundee defender Kyle Benedictus into an own-goal but the ball bounced the wrong side of the post.

It was all Livi and Jacobs and Joe Hamill both had half chances but Soutar proved to be unbeatable.

Courier Man of the Match: Keaghan Jacobs

Livingston: McKenzie, Brown, Talbot, Hamill, Watson, MacDonald, Fox (Kyle Jacobs 81), Keaghan Jacobs, Halliday, Winters, De Vita (McNulty 88). Subs: McDowall, Griffin, Sinclair.