Late drama in Paisley saw the Lions fall to 2-1 defeat against 10 man St. Mirren last time out.

A 69th minute opener from Keanu Baccus was cancelled out by Bruce Anderson’s first goal of the season, before Alex Grieve sealed all three points for the Saints as Livi pushed for a winner.

A goalless first half was punctuated by few chances for either, Joel Nouble and then Alex Gogic had efforts but Scott Pittman had the best chance of the first half.

Sean Kelly’s long ball forward was met with a fresh air swipe by St. Mirren’s Charles Dunne, and Pittman continued his run to find himself with just Trevor Carson to beat. Pitts’ effort lacked effort however and the Northern Irish keeper saved well with his legs.

Into the second half, and Livingston looked for an instant impact. Dylan Bahamboula looked to continue his strong first half. He showed good feet to get to the byline, his cross caused concern for Carson who did well to save.

Next, Ayo Obileye would go close for the Lions. Kelly’s freekick found the back post and the imposing centre back made a good connection, but could only see his effort wide.

And then with 20 minutes remaining, St. Mirren opened the scoring. Ryan Flynn’s pinpoint cross to the penalty spot was met by Baccus who evaded Stephane Omeonga to head smartly into the corner.

Livingston pushed for a response, Bahamboula did well to find Kurtis Guthrie at the edge of the six yard box, his effort was blocked but the ball fell to Anderson 12 yards out. His effort looked to, at the very least, be forcing a smart save from Carson, but St. Mirren’s Jonah Ayunga instead decided to palm the ball clear.

Craig Napier pointed to the spot and gave Ayunga his marching orders. Kelly stepped up with the chance to equalise, but his penalty was high and St. Mirren retained their slender lead, albeit now a man down.

That was just the beginning of a frantic end to this game. Livingston did get their equaliser, Nouble once again did well to carry the ball down the flank and this time his cross from deep found a waiting Livingston player. Anderson popped up unmarked to score his first goal of the season and give the Lions the chance to push for all three points.

But it wasn’t to be, instead St. Mirren had the better of the chances. Scott Tanser’s freekick produced a magnificent save from Shamal George, before the Saints sealed all three points. Consecutive corners finally found their man, as a scramble in the box saw Joe Shaughnessy with the first effort. His scuffed shot in the dying minutes fell to Grieve, who was able to poke past George from close range.

A disappointing end to a frustrating game for the Lions, as we fell to seventh in the table.

Match Report: Callum McCormack

St Mirren: Carson, Fraser, Gogic (Strain 60 (Flynn ▊ 67)), Gallagher ▊, Dunne, Tanser, Baccus ▊ (Shaughnessy 75), Erhahon, O’Hara ©, Kiltie (Greive 59), Ayunga ▊
Subs not used: Taylor, Henderson, Reid, Urminsky, Kenny
Goals: Baccus (69), Greive (90)

Livingston: George, Devlin ©, Se.Kelly (Shinnie 81), Obileye, Penrice (Anderoson 72), Bahamboula ▊, Omeonga (St.Kelly 72), Holt, Pittman, Double, Guthrie
Subs not used: Hamilton, Konovalov, Longridge, Cancar, Boyes, Brandon
Goals: Anderson (86)

Referee: Craig Napier
HT: 0-0
Att: 5,366

Share this: