Late penalty drama sees County snatch draw in Livingston

A Ronan Hale penalty at the death saw Ross County earn a crucial draw in the play-off final first-leg which saw a member of the away staff spat at by a home fan following full time. Making no mistake from the spot, Hale dispatched the equaliser in the 96th minute after VAR had spotted Danny Wilson pulling on Jordan White’s shirt in the box. Prior to his late mistake, the defender had steadied the ship at the back before his opener rocked the County boat with just a minute to go before the break. Blasting home Smith’s corner after it had pin-balled in the six yard area. In control of possession in the first half, County would also have the opening chance of the evening as Will Nightingale’s low header from Ronan Hale fizzing corner was excellently saved by Jerome Prior. However it was Livingston who would have the lion’s share of the opportunities, Robbie Muirhead letting the fruits of his side’s counter-attacking work spoil despite finding himself free at the back post. With the end of the half fast approaching, Cristian Montaño would similarly spurn a good opportunity as the Colombian could not get his head over the ball before sending it above the bar. Finding themselves in need of a leveller, County struggled to get themselves off the back-foot, Hale attempting an overhead kick to no avail as Prior watched it sail above his head. Looking to provide a cushion before a testing trip to Dingwall, Lewis Smith attempted to earn his side a penalty but was rewarded instead with a yellow card for simulation with Livingston able to see the game out regardless. There would be far greater drama as a Livingston fan approached the County dugout, spitting on a member of Don Cowie’s backroom staff following the full-time whistle. Line-ups: Livingston: Prior, Fraser, Wilson, McGowan, Brandon (c), Kelly, Tait (Finlayson 61), Pittman, Montaño (Yengi 82), Muirhead (May 74), Smith Unused subs: Lawal, Hamilton, McAlear, Nottingham, Shinnie, Sole Goals: Wilson (46) Booked: Smith, Wilson Ross County: Amissah, Campbell, Nightingale, Wright, Ashworth (Harmon 70), Randall (c), Kenneh, Efete (Smith 70), Nisbet, Hale, Samuel (White 60) Unused subs: Coyle, Phillips, Robesten, Ross, Tomkinson, Williamson Goals: Hale (96) Booked: Samuel, Kenneh Attendance: 2,653