Despite a brighter second half, Livingston were unable to overturn a two-goal deficit as Motherwell left West Lothian with all three points.

Livingston returned to league action at the Home of the Set Fare Arena this afternoon as they welcomed Motherwell to West Lothian, with both sides looking to build momentum at a crucial stage of the campaign.

With home form a consistent foundation under Davie Martindale, Livi were aiming to bounce back following a disappointing defeat away to Aberdeen at Pittodrie last time out, as they looked to close the gap to Kilmarnock with a much-needed three points against the Steelmen.

The task was to disrupt a Motherwell side sitting high in the league table, though the visitors had struggled to replicate that form on their travels, arriving without a win in their previous four away games.

This fixture also marked Livingston’s first outing since the departure of influential front man Tete Yengi to Japan’s J-League. The suspension of top scorer Jeremy Bokila, sent off shortly after coming on against Aberdeen, left the hosts searching for a fresh source of inspiration in the final third.

Livi made three changes to the line-up. Scott Pittman replaced goalscorer Mahamadou Susoho, who returned to Manchester City, while Emmanuel Danso and Babacar Fati came in for Lewis Smith and Samson Lawal, who both dropped to the bench.

Motherwell made one change from their previous outing against Kilmarnock, with John Koutroumbis replacing Emmanuel Longelo.

It was an even start to the contest, though the first chance fell to Livingston. A quick break down the left saw Robbie Muirhead, Stevie May and Scott Pittman combine before the ball broke to Connor McLennan, but his effort with only the goalkeeper to beat was saved by Calum Ward.

Only seconds later, Motherwell broke at pace at the other end. A deep cross from the right-hand side by Elijah Just found in-form Tawanda Maswanhise in the box, and the forward looped a header over the stranded Jérôme Prior.

The game was played at a frantic pace early on, with Motherwell almost doubling their lead from a corner. Paul McGinn’s header beat Prior but was cleared off the line by Stevie May.

The pressure continued to build from the visitors, who created a series of chances in quick succession. After a mix-up at the back, Pittman almost capitalised, though Ward was again equal to his effort. Moments later, another Motherwell break down the right ended with Just striking the left-hand post with a curling effort from the edge of the box.

Livingston struggled to retain possession as the first half progressed, and Motherwell capitalised after 27 minutes. A breakdown in play saw the ball fall to Maswanhise inside the area, and he calmly slotted a low finish into the left corner to make it 2–0.

Discontent was evident among the home support as jeers rang out around the stadium.

Livi attempted to respond by working the ball into wide areas, though the resulting crosses failed to find a yellow shirt. A free kick from the right-hand side deep in Motherwell’s half was cleared before Macaulay Tait struck a half-volley over the bar.

At the other end, a long ball found Maswanhise, who controlled it with his chest before firing over the bar. Livingston were fortunate not to fall further behind, with Prior producing an excellent near-post save in the 42nd minute to deny the Zimbabwean a first-half hat-trick.

The half-time whistle was met with boos from the home end, with Martindale looking for an improved response after the break.

The hosts started the second half with greater intensity, pressing higher through Robbie Muirhead and Scott Pittman. Connor McLennan broke down the right to win an early corner, though it did not result in a clear opening.

A through ball from Emmanuel Danso released Stevie May, but the forward was unable to bring the ball under control and the opportunity fizzled out.

Around the hour mark, the game began to even out, with both sides exchanging half-chances and enjoying spells of possession. Frustration among the home crowd was evident when, after a promising period of play, possession was worked back to Jérôme Prior.

Joshua Brenet looked lively on the right, driving into the box before seeing his cutback comfortably cleared. Sustained pressure followed, with another low delivery from McLennan narrowly missed by a sliding Pittman at the far post.

Ward briefly spilled the ball under pressure from Muirhead, though the Motherwell goalkeeper recovered quickly to gather at the second attempt. Maswanhise was substituted after 77 minutes to a standing ovation from the travelling support.

At the other end, Callum Slattery showed quick footwork to evade a challenge before firing over from the edge of the box. Still fresh from the bench Mo Sylla, later drove forward to win a corner for Livingston, though the resulting deliveries were comfortably dealt with by the Motherwell defence.

Despite a late spell of pressure, Livingston were unable to find a breakthrough, with the lack of attacking potency proving costly. The two first-half goals from Maswanhise ultimately decided the contest, condemning Livingston to another disappointing defeat and extending their winless run to 23 matches in all competitions.

Match report: Alastair Hogg

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