Livi fell to six points adrift at the foot of the Scottish Premiership following a 3-1 defeat at Fir Park to Motherwell. Scott Pittman got the Lions back into the game after quickfire goals from Blair Spittal and Theo Bair, however the latter’s second of the game inevitably sunk the visitors as their search for a win continues.  

Gaffer David Martindale made one change from the side that shut out St Johnstone midweek, with Andrew Shinnie making way for Cristian Montano.

The hosts came out with a point to prove and also took the lead straight from kick off. Michael Devlin attempted to shepherd out a long ball however was beaten to the ball by the Motherwell attacker. Landing at the feet of Theo Bair, his shot was deflected off Michael Nottingham and out for a corner which came to nothing.

Three minutes later and Livi had Shamal George to thank for keeping the score at 0-0. Oli Shaw delivered a cross from the left that found Mika Biereth all alone in the six-yard box, however his strike was saved well by the onrushing George.

Motherwell would take the lead on the quarter of the hour mark. Joel Nouble was caught napping on the edge of his own box by Bair, who opted to slide the ball to Blair Spittal who poked the ball home for the hosts.

And five minutes later it was two. James Penrice attempted to play the ball up the left wing but this was cut out. The ball was played forward for Bair to run on to, who nicked it past George on the edge of the box.

The Lions would get themselves right back into the game just minutes later, however. Cristian Montano managed a deft ball over the top of the static Motherwell defence where Pittman was waiting to smash the ball past Liam Kelly and half the deficit.

The Steelman restored their two-goal lead on 35 minutes, a ball finding Bair on the right side of the pitch. Running unopposed into the box, the striker showed a great piece of skill to turn his defender before beautifully dinking the ball over George into the net.

Motherwell would have the ball in the net again just before half time, a heavy challenge by Jason Holt earning him a yellow card and the hosts a free kick right on the edge of the box. The resulting freekick was floated in and the header hit off Bair before rolling into the net, with VAR ruling the goal out for offside.

The hosts continued to push in the second half, with some fine play by Spittal allowing him to cut inside off the left, although his shot would fly high and wide of the goal.

Livi had their chances, and on the hour mark could have nicked a goal back, Devlin couldn’t get his back post header on target following a decent cross from the right-hand side.

Pittman would hit the crossbar following a bit of pinball in the box, and Bruce Anderson hit the foot of the post after bursting free one on one with the keeper, although he was adjudged to be offside.

And there would be a late penalty shout for Livi, with a shot blocked and out for a corner, however after a consultation with VAR, referee Chris Graham waved for play for continue, and the Lions to fall to six points adrift at the bottom of the table.

Match Report: David Hastie

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