A re-jigged Spartans XI succumbed to two second half strikes which saw Championship side Livingston progress in the SPFL Trust Trophy at Ainslie Park on Saturday.
There were no fewer than five changes from the previous week’s outing at Forthbank with a long-awaited return to side for skipper Kevin Waugh whilst Adam Meek and Mark Stowe made their first starts of the season. Rory Whittaker was away on Scotland u19s duty and Danny Denholm came in for Cammy Russell who took up one of the seven spots on the bench.
The early running was made by the visitors, keen to avenge the recent Premier Sports Cup defeat. Play almost exclusively featuring in the Spartans half however it’s a resolute defence that held tight.
Academy Graduate Goalie kept things interesting when his attempted kick up the park was blocked by Steve May’s back, the two players racing towards the rebound before the Livingston player got a shot in that was well saved by the backtracking keeper.
Bradley Whyte was in the wars as he required treatment after using his face to halt Lewis Smith’s endeavours to set up another break.
Spartans got their first free-kick of note shortly after following Mark Stowe being grappled to the ground. He dusted himself down however couldn’t find a way round the wall to trouble Jerome Prior between the sticks.
Moments later, a shot towards the Livingston goal was directed behind by Michael Nottingham in the box. As to how it founds its way there, the home contingent in the box were adamant it came off an arm, such was their remonstrations that ultimately fell on deaf ears.
There were hearts in home mouths when Lewis Smith appeared to break the offside trap with only Meek left to engage with. Thankfully for the Spartans faithful, Smith lost his footing, landed on the carpet and danger denied.
The ball found itself in the Livingston net ahead of the break however Blair Henderson’s reaction to the AR’s flag suggested the Spartans striker had more than an inkling.
Then, with seconds left before the interval, a long cross to the back post by Callum Booth evaded Cristian Montano, it fell to Stowe who found Prior in good form to save.
HT: The Spartans 0-0 Livingston
Spartans made a change at half time with Paul Watson replacing Kevin Waugh.
Just like the first half, the opening minutes once again saw the visitors make progress up the park however they found Meek in fine form with a brace of fine saves.
Further changes were made by the hosts just shy of the hour mark with Cammy Russell and James Craigen coming on for Booth and Stowe.
Livingston were to take the lead in the 64th minute. Meek could count himself unlucky after pulling off a sublime save however it was Steve May who pounced to send the rebound home.
A second stop of the day for a knock to the coupon, this time Montano’s napper. After a lengthy stoppage, the Livingston man’s game was done as the visitors included him in a raft of changes.
At the same stage, Aaron Scott entered the fray, replacing Brogan Walls.
The break appeared to benefit the visitors more and they were to double their lead almost immediately after the restart.
Winter’s low pass towards Lewis Smith couldn’t be cut out and the Livi man progressed into the box before sliding beyond Meek.
With the game entering the final minutes, Ben Lamont came on for Lewis Hunter and made some positive yards and despatches during his cameo up top.
FT: The Spartans 0-2 Livingston
Malt and Hops Man of the Match: Bradley Whyte
