Livingston and Raith Rovers missed the chance to gain significant ground in the Scottish Championship promotion race as they took a point apiece from a hard-fought goalless contest.

In front of a 1,331-strong crowd, hosts Livi came close to breaking the deadlock after 55 minutes.

Robbie Muirhead sent a cross into the box, the Raith defenders struggled to cope with it and Christian Montano’s effort from 12 yards was just over the crossbar.

Finlay Pollock was clean through on goal for Raith only for keeper Jerome Prior to race out and block the Hearts loanee’s effort.

Ryan McGowan thought he had snatched a late winner when he bundled the ball home from close range only for the flag to be raised for offside.

McGowan again came close in the final minute but his header from six yards was straight into the arms of Rovers keeper Joshua Rae.

The point for Livingston takes them to within three of league leaders Falkirk and level with second-placed Ayr United, having played one game more than both.

Raith Rovers are up to fifth, a point above Queen’s Park and four behind Partick Thistle, who in fourth hold the final Premiership play-off spot.

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari took in the match with Livingston hosting the Perth side in Monday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final

Livingston manager David Martindale: “That’s us 11 unbeaten. We did enough in the game to win the game. We dominated large parts of the game. We played some decent football. Give Raith a wee bit of credit.

“Disappointed? Of course we are. Do I still think we’ve got a chance of automatic promotion? Of course I do. Falkirk have been incredible this year, Ayr United have been really good this year so it’s between the three of us and I think we’ll all drop points between now and the end of the season.”

Match summary: Brian McLauchlin

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