Nicky Devlin’s late header gave disjointed Aberdeen victory over Scottish Premiership bottom side Livingston as their unbeaten run extended to six matches.

Devlin’s expertly guided finish from Topi Keskinen’s cross masked an otherwise unconvincing performance from Jimmy Thelin’s side, but nonetheless gave them a third 1-0 win in four league matches.

Livingston were the more cohesive and threatening side for the majority of the game, particularly in the first half. However, they were foiled by Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov and their own profligacy.

Mitov denied Mahamadou Susoho, Lewis Smith and Tete Yengi, while Daniel Finlayson had an excellent chance to head his side in front, but guided the ball wide.

Aberdeen took until the 76th minute to register an effort on target, when Stuart Armstrong’s first-time shot was smothered by Jerome Prior.

Four minutes later, they were in front. Graeme Shinnie forced a mistake from Graham Carey, and Keskinen picked out Devlin at the back post.

The former Livingston defender’s precise header into the far corner sparked scenes of unbridled relief among the big Aberdeen away support.

The win moves Thelin’s side up to seventh, while Livingston are without a victory in 12 games as they again failed to take full advantage of an encouraging display.

Livingston manager David Martindale: “It’s a difficult one to take. It was the same last week [against Rangers] but I papered over the cracks with the decision which went against us.

“But we’ve got to do better in the game, we should take something. We had a lot of control, good entries into the final third.

“But we shoot ourselves in the foot with a bad decision in a wide area which leads to the goal. And we’re not picking up in the box when we should be picking up.”

Match report: Thomas Duncan

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