With the chance to break the record of most consecutive wins by a Livingston team, The Lions were highly motivated to continue their very impressive run.

A victory today would be the home team’s eighth in a row in the league. This afternoon’s opponents, Peterhead, were looking to improve their prospects of safety with a win, as going into the game the visitors were in the relegation play-off place.

The hosts started superbly, taking the lead after just 12 minutes. A free kick from the half way line was floated into the box and Danny Mullen challenged the Peterhead goalkeeper. The visitor’s Number One then dropped the ball and it fell to the deadly Liam Buchanan who pounced as ever to net his 27th of the season.

It was nearly 2-0 when Danny Mullen cut inside, leaving his man in his wake, and curled a superb effort towards the goal but it clipped the bar. The strike deserved a goal. A few moments later, defender Craig Halkett majestically made his way from the back to the opposition box beating everyone in his way before cutting the ball back for Raffa De Vita, but the Italian couldn’t convert.

After 21 minutes Livi did score their second though. Some lovely passing play led to a cut back from De Vita to Scott Pittman, and the midfielder calmly slotted home. It was an early 2-0 lead for the champions, and Peterhead had a mountain to climb.

It was 3-0 just before half time, with Josh Mullin on the scoresheet this time with a lovely finish to wrap up the first half in style after a passage of possession that involved around 20 passes. It was an excellent team goal and one that oozed confidence from the champions. The players were really putting on a show for the fans, with the trophy being awarded after the game.

HT: Livingston 3-0 Peterhead

The visitors needed a very good performance in the second half to stand any chance of getting back into the game. Leighton McIntosh replaced Simon Ferry in an attacking change. After a poor 15 minutes from the hosts, Peterhead clawed one back. The ball fell to Jamie Redman who, after a deflection, beat the helpless Kelly from close range.

So there was no clean sheet today for The Lions, who were in danger of being complacent and letting their opponents back into the match. Minutes later Peterhead nearly had a second. Rory McAllister’s header from a short distance was saved fantastically by Liam Kelly at full stretch to his right hand side.

Sean Crighton replaced Josh Mullin in an attempt to control the game more. There were a few worrying scenes when Declan Gallagher had to come off with an injured ankle, to be replaced by Nicky Cadden, who subsequently went off with an injury too, with what looked like a dislocated shoulder. On came young Matthew Knox for the final quarter of the game.

With nine minutes to go, the win was sealed after another spectacular overhead kick from Danny Mullen – his third of the season – to give Livi all three points. In the end, it was a comfortable win for The Lions and they fully deserved their victory. As a result, they extended their winning streak to eight in a row.

Celebrations continued after full time with the League One trophy being awarded to the champions. With only one more game to play until the end of the season, away to Albion Rovers next Saturday, Livi will hope to end what has been a truly wonderful season with another three points.

Livingston: Kelly, Lithgow, Halkett, Longridge, Gallagher (Cadden 70 (Knox 73)), Mullin (Crighton 66), Millar, Pittman, De Vita, Mullen, Buchanan
Subs not used: Maley, Miller, Todorov, Jacobs
Goals: Buchanan (12), Pittman (21), Mullin (42), Mullen (81)

Peterhead: Hobday, Reid, Noble, Strachan, Ross, Brown, Stevenson, Redman, McAllister, Ferry (McIntosh 45), Riley (Brown 56)
Subs not used: G.Smith, Anderson, Comrie, A.Smith, Blockley
Goals: Redman (61)

Referee: Kevin Graham
Att: 891
Match Report: Calum Brown

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