Livington super subs spark second-half fightback to edge Annan in five-goal thriller

Feb 18 2010 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

Andy Halliday

LIVINGSTON’S super subs Raffaele De Vita and Andy Halliday sparked an amazing second-half recovery as the Lions bit back hard on Saturday.

Livi were trailing 2-0 to visitors Annan Athletic when boss Gary Bollan called for reinforcements from the bench.

And attacking duo De Vita and Halliday led from the front bagging a goal apiece with their fellow sub providing the assist.

Veteran striker Robbie Winters scored in between the goals from the Livi super-subs as the home side earned a memorable victory which keeps their title bid firmly on course.

Livingston dominated the early going with Liam Fox and Keaghan Jacobs both missing good chances to edge in front before they were caught out at the other end.

Graeme Bell cracked the inside of the post with a glancing header leaving Kevin Neilson a tap-in from two-yards.

The opener had clearly given defender Neilson a taste for goals and he forced a stunning stop from Roddy McKenzie with a 30-yard drive.

Unfortunately for Livingston the rebound fell perfectly for David Cox who headed over the grounded keeper right on the stroke of half-time.

Livingston manager Bollan had already signalled his intent to chase the game after Annan’s opening goal when he sent winger Halliday on for stopper Paul Watson and switched to a bold 3-4-3 formation.

And at half-time he made another change by introducing De Vita for Jim Hamilton and the two subs made an instant impact.

The second-half was only eight minutes old when Halliday dug out a deep right-footed cross which De Vita nodded home at the back post.

Then they were level on 74 minutes after some superb wing work by Jacobs.

It looked as if there was nowhere for the teenager to go when he pickled up the ball with his back to goal and Derek Townsley and Phil Storey in hot pursuit.

But the midfield ace created a yard of space with a clever drag back before delivering a perfect cross to the back post where Winters headed Livingston back onto level terms.

Their comeback was complete 12 minutes from time when Halliday netted a fantastic solo goal.

Jacobs turned defence into attack with a 50-yard pass which was cushioned into Halliday’s path by De Vita.

There was still plenty for the 18-year-old to do but he did it in sensational style, bursting between Alan Inglis and Peter Watson before nutmegging Neilson, rounding keeper Greg Kelly and slotting home.

The win leaves the Lions four points clear of second-placed East Stirlingshire, who they meet this Saturday at Ochilview.

Annan boss Harry Cairney said: “We had chances to seal the game and if you don’t take them you live to regret it.”