Venue: The Home of the Set Fare Arena                                 Date: 21/12/2024                                                    Time: 15:00

In an action-packed game, George Oakleys' goal secured all three points for Ayr United away from home. 

In what was Livingstons’ first loss at home this season, the game had it all. Early on, it was clear that the weather would impact this game with strong winds and the odd shower of rain.

The result takes Ayr just two points behind second place, with Livingston dropping to five points off the league leaders Falkirk after they won their fixture with Hamilton Accies.

The referee didn’t have the strongest hold on the game, leaving fans and players frustrated. Early on, the referee overruled his linesmans’ decision by deeming Livingstons’ number 8, Scott Pittman, offside when he was through on goal.

However, the referee then changed his mind and awarded Livingston a free kick for his wrongdoings. This set the tone for the Livingston supporters.

Livingston controlled the majority of the second half but couldn’t make any of their chances count. The closest the ball came to the back of the net was from Ayr United’s Patrick Reading, whose wayward header was tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Harry Stone.

Tete Yengis’ disallowed goal

After a strong start from Livingston, it didn’t take them long to get the ball in the net.

In the twelfth minute, Matthew Clarke sent a well-aimed cross into the box his pass was met by Tete Yengi, who brought the ball down, composed himself and found the back of the net.

Controversially, the goal was disallowed for a presumed handball from Yengi as he brought the ball down.

Yengi, who had a strong game for Livingston, will be disappointed that he wasn’t able to walk away from the game a goal better.

Consequently, this decision seemed to spark Ayr into life as they improved after the wake-up call, taking the game to the home side Manager Scott Brown will not doubt be pleased with the way his team bounced back.

George Oakley wins it for Ayr

It took until the 40th minute for the deadlock to be broken in this closely fought contest.

Livingston failed to react to the quickly taken throw-in, and Jay Henderson sent a wonderful half-volley low and hard into the box.

This caused a mix-up between the Livingston centre-backs and their goalkeeper Jerome Prior, allowing George Oakley to get on the end of Hendersons’ cross to tap the ball in and unknowingly secure all three points for his team.

Goalkeeper Jerome Prior seemed sure that he had all ten fingers on the ball and was fouled however, despite his exasperation, the referee awarded the goal.

Ayr continued to defend well and were rewarded for their efforts with three points and a clean sheet, the first time a team can say that this season facing Livingston away from home.

Attendance: 1,521

Lineups:

Manager: David Martindale

Livingston Fc: J. Priore, M. Clarke (C. Montano 82′), R. Mcgowan, R. McAlear (L. Sole 71′), S. Pittman (A. Winter 87′), T. Yengi, J. Brandon (R. Muirhead 82′), L. Smith (S. Kelly 71′), S. May, D, Finlayson, M. Nottingham.

Substitutes: M. Pitaluga, B. Jackson, L. Sole, S. Kelly, A. Winter, A. Shinnie, R. Muirhead, C. Montano, D. Wilson.

Manager: Scott Brown

Ayr United: H. Stone, N. McAllister, P. Reading, M. Devlin, B. Dempsey, G. Oakley (A. Bavidge 87′), C. McLennan, G. Stranger, J. Murphy (M. McKenzie 63′), J. Henderson (R. Howley 80′), S. McMann.

Substitutes: J. McIntyre, R. Syla, M. McKenzie, M. Rus, R. Howley, D. Craig, D. Watrer, E. Ferguson, A. Bavidge.

Referee: Duncan Williams