The Lions returned to cinch SPFL Premiership action as they travelled to Celtic Park to take on league leaders Celtic. However, it wasn’t to be as they fell to a 2-1 defeat.

An Ayo Obileye own goal and a Kyogo Furuhashi strike were enough to see the three points remain in Glasgow, despite Nicky Devlin getting one back for Livi.

Celtic were out of the traps fast giving Livi little time to settle into the game. Reo Hatate was the first to go close, but his effort was narrowly past the post. Then Obileye was perhaps fortunate not to see his header loop into his own net.

However, before long the deadlock would be broken, and it would be an Obileye own goal that did it. Anthony Ralston sent Liel Abada free down the wing and his drilled cross was diverted in at the near post by Obileye.

Celtic were well in control of proceedings, but were facing a Livingston side determined to make life difficult for the hosts. Ralston and Furuhashi amongst others had chances to double Celtic’s lead, but Ivan Konovalov saved well in each instance.

A second wasn’t too far away though. Ralston’s ball was expertly placed into space for Abada who again drilled the ball to the front post. This time Furuhashi was on hand to fire home from close range.

Almost immediately though Livingston gave themselves a glimmer of hope. A Bruce Anderson poked pass split the Celtic defence and found a marauding Devlin who outmuscled a Celtic defender to toe the ball past Joe Hart. A fitting way to mark Devlin’s 100th Livingston appearance.

Livingston started the second half brightly. First, Cristian Montaño saw his effort fly past the post from distance. Then, Stephen Kelly tried his luck on the volley from distance. Hart had to be alert to deny the young midfielder.

Celtic would controversially have a third ruled out by VAR. Abada thought he’d set up a comfortable finish, but after a check it was judged that he had interfered with play from an offside position.

The result saw Celtic extend their lead at the top of the SPFL Premiership, whilst Livingston stay in sixth position.

Celtic: Hart, Ralston (Bernabei ▊ 56), Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor, McGregor ©, O’Riley (Mooy 82), Hatate (Haksabanovic 64), Abada, Jota (Turnbull 64), Furuhashi ▊ (Giakoumakis 82)
Subs not used: Siegrist, Jenz, Turnbull, Maeda, Forrest
Goals: Obileye (23 OG), Furuhashi (45)

Livingston: Konovalov, Devlin ©, Obileye (Boyes ▊46), Longridge, Montaño ▊ (Shinnie 70), Sn.Kelly (Holt 70), St.Kelly, Penrice, Omeonga ▊ (Pittman 70), Anderson (Gonçalves 76)
Subs not used: Hamilton, Cancar, Bahamboula, Nouble
Goals: Devlin (45)

Referee: Euan Anderson
HT: 1-2
Att: 8,825

Share this: