Celtic finally ended their Livingston hoodoo as they recorded their first win in West Lothian for 15 years thanks to a 3-1 victory.

It was the hosts who created the first opportunity of the game as they looked to continue their outstanding record against the Hoops. Alan Forrest’s corner was met by the left foot of Ayo Obileye on the half volley. The defender’s strike was goal bound but Joe Hart was there to make a fantastic save to deny Livi from taking the lead.

Up the other end, after the ball had struck Jack Fitzwater’s arm, referee Nick Walsh awarded the visitors a penalty. Celtic captain Callum McGregor stepped up, but smashed the post with his effort much to the delight of Fitzwater and his teammates who felt the decision was harsh.

McGregor should have scored again moments later after some brilliant play by Jota on the left wing. His cross was met by the head of the skipper, but the effort was too powerful and flew over the bar.

Celtic were awarded a controversial corner as Anthony Ralston ran the ball out of play, but the visitors took advantage of the officiating mistake and took the lead subsequently. Jota’s corner was met by the head of Carl Starfelt which forced an excellent save from Max Stryjek, but Daizen Maeda was on hand to tap home the rebound from close range to put Ange Postecoglou’s side 1-0 up.

Tom Rogic had a chance to make it 2-0 shortly after. The Australian wriggled away from Jason Holt in the middle of the park before curling one towards goal, but Stryjek was able to hold comfortably.

Livingston had another golden opportunity before the break, and it was Obileye again. Forrest put another excellent delivery into the box, this time from a deep free-kick, and up rose the defender. His effort beat Hart but cannoned back off the crossbar and away from danger. Agonisingly close for David Martindale’s men.

Quickly after the restart, Celtic moved up a gear and effectively sealed the victory by adding a second. Ralston’s cross was turned into the back of the net by the unfortunate Nicky Devlin after the Livi skipper had tried to clear his lines.

The game was put beyond doubt on the hour mark as Jota slipped in James Forrest, and the winger made no mistake with a calm finish to make it 3-0.

The Lions fought back, and grabbed a goal through Andrew Shinnie to give them a fighting chance. However, this turned out to be just a consolation as the visitors ran out 3-1 winners to continue their brilliant domestic run – which sees them unbeaten since their last visit to West Lothian in September.

Match Report: Calum Brown

Livingston: Stryjek, Devlin, Fitzwater ▊, Obileye, Penrice, Holt, Omeonga ▊ (Anderson ▊ 60), Shinnie (Kelly 70), Pittman (Sibbald 76), Forrest, Nouble (Soto 70)
Subs not used: Konovalov, Boyes, Longridge, Lewis, Montaño
Goals: Shinnie (56)

Celtic: Hart, Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor, Bitton, McGregor (Hatate 83), Forrest (Abada 75), Jota, Maeda (Giakoumakis 75), Rogic (O’Reily ▊ 75)
Subs not used: Bain, McCaerthy, Idegouchi, , Welsh, Juranovic
Goals: Maeda (17), Devlin (46 OG), Forrest (55)

Referee: Nick Walsh
HT: 0-1
Att: 8,922

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