Bailey, Anderson and Pittman seal first away win of the season as Livingston brush aside St Johnstone

Livingston travelled to McDiarmid Park last Saturday to take on St Johnstone as David Martindale’s side aimed to end a run of three defeats on the bounce.

The visitors started wonderfully and began on the front foot, pressing and harassing the Saintees right from the first whistle.

After just one minute, The Lions had a golden opportunity to take the lead. Scott Pittman, back in the team after a lengthy injury, took a shot from the edge of the box which was deflected towards Cristian Montaño. The Colombian headed towards goal from close range, but was denied by some quick reactions from St Johnstone goalkeeper Zander Clark.

Just 90 seconds later though, Livingston took the lead. Some great work by Odin Bailey out wide saw him send a ball down the line for Bruce Anderson who held the ball up well. The striker then cut the ball back to the edge of the box to find Bailey after a clever dummy from Pittman. The on-loan Birmingham winger hit a low driven shot beyond Clark and into the back of the net to grab his first goal for The Lions.

Callum Davidson’s side pushed for an immediate equaliser, and nearly found one from a well-worked set piece. Liam Craig peeled off to the edge of the box from a corner, and met David Wotherspoon’s ball with a volley only to see it hit the top of the crossbar.

After withstanding some pressure since the opener, Livingston doubled their lead on 29 minutes after a lapse of concentration by Clark and McCart at the back. The St Johnstone stopper’s attempted pass to McCart, who had his back to Clark, hit the defender’s heel and fell invitingly to Bruce Anderson. The striker hit the ball first time and found the bottom corner, netting his second Premiership goal of the campaign to make it 2-0.

Either side of the break, former Livi defender Efe Ambrose had a couple of good chances from corners but headed wide on both occasions.

Half time: St Johnstone 0-2 Livingston

Half way through the second half, Livi made it three and wrapped up the three points. Some comical defending from St Johnstone saw Ambrose and O’Halloran run into each other which allowed Bruce Anderson in behind. Baring down on goal, the forward was composed and looked up to pick out teammate Scott Pittman who drifted in at the back post to tap home.

The emphatic 3-0 scoreline ensured Livingston’s first Premiership victory on the road since February – a 2-0 win at Pittodrie against Aberdeen.

Scott Pittman also continued to cement his legend status at Livingston following his goal which saw the midfielder make it 8 consecutive seasons of finding the net for the Lions, as well as becoming the first Livi player to score in 4 consecutive top flight campaigns.

Match Report: Calum Brown

St Johnstone: Clark, Rooney (Dendoncker 22), Ambrose (Davidson 78), McCart, Booth, Craig ▊, MacPherson ▊, Wotherspoon (Middleton 3), Kane, May, O’Halloran (Brown 70)
Subs not used: Parish, Bryson, Vertainen

Livingston: Stryjek, Devlin, Obileye, Fitzwater, Penrice (Longridge 45), Holt ▊, Pittman ▊, Omeonga ▊ (McMillan 63), Bailey (Sibbald 83), Montaño, Anderson (Forrest 75)
Subs not used: Maley, Kelly, Kabia
Goals: Bailey (3), Anderson (29), Pittman (66)

Referee: Grant Irvine
HT: 2-0
Att: 4,274

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