Livingston Archives - SNN Sports

Hearts 1-0 Livingston: Jambos Extend Premiership Lead with Narrow Victory

Hearts 1-0 Livingston Halkett (18′) Livingston made the journey to Tynecastle Park today to take on Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership. The last time these two sides met was in September at the Home of the Set Fare Arena where the Jambos won 2-1. Claudio Braga Alexandros Kyziridis with goals for Hearts and Lewis Smith scoring for the Lions. Today’s game sees the Jambos coming in off the back of a Derby day defeat away to Hibernian, and David Martindale’s side lost to Dundee United. The away side had the better start to the game, a shot from Scott Pittman just over the bar within the first 3 minutes. McInnes’ side had their first chance after 10 minutes, Tomas Magnusson with a left-footed shot but rolled wide of the post. Hearts went 1-0 up in 18 minutes, a header from Craig Halkett, crossed in by their newest signing Jordi Altena, who makes his debut. Halkett has now scored 6 goals for the Jam Tarts. A few VAR shouts throughout the game for the home side, 2 of which were for penalties, but were both cleared by the officials. Livingston were pressing to find a goal in the second half, a good chance from Mohammad Sylla, but it was headed right off the post. The game finished 1-0 to Hearts and puts them 6 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, with their next game on Sunday against Dundee. Livingston have yet to win a game since August, and they will face Kilmarnock at home on Saturday. Hearts: Schwolow (7), Altena (8), Halkett (8) Findlay (7), Milne (6), Baningime (7), Devlin (8), Magnusson (7), Braga (6), Kyziridis (7), Shankland (7). Substitutions: Steinwender (4), Kerjota (5), Kent (3) Livingston: Prior (5), Montano (5), Kabongolo (6), McGowan (6), Finlayson (6), Susoho (5), Sylla (6), Pittman (5), May (5), Yengi (6), McLennan (5). Substitutions: Lawal (5), Danso (3), Zimmerman (3), Muirhead (3)

January 3, 2026

Livingston 2-4 Celtic: Deux in a row for Nancy as Celtic Tame Lions

Celtic cut the gap to three points on leaders Hearts after a 4-2 win over Livingston at the Home of the Set Fare Arena. Fans were treated to four goals inside the opening ten minutes, as both sides traded blows as the end-to-end action resembled something more like a basketball game rather than a football match. Cristian Montano put Livingston into the driving seat just two minutes in before Benjamin Nygren restored parity just five minutes later. Montano got his second of the game a minute after, but this was cancelled out by Celtic’s South Korean Hyun-Jun Yang straight away to complete a berserk ten minute period. Celtic stamped their authority on the contest with a stunner from Nygren, before Arne Engels converted a spot kick to give the Parkhead side some breathing room. It is Wilfried Nancy’s second win in a row as Celtic manager after losing his first four games, whilst David Martindale still searches for his second win of the season as the West Lothian side languish at the foot of the table. The fans were still making their way inside when Livingston opened the scoring inside the first two minutes. Kieran Tierney’s attempted pass across the park was intercepted by Cristian Montano, who drove forward menacingly and thundered the ball high into deputy goalkeeper Vilijami Sinisalo’s near post. Celtic responded five minutes later when Arne Engels’ delivery from a corner was met by Daizen Maeda, who knocked it down for Swede Benjamin Nygren to net his first of the game and 7th of the season. The Lions roared back less than two minutes later ti continue the frantic start to the game. Scott Pittman’s cross from the right flank fell to Montano again in acres of space inside the box, and the Colombian doubled his tally for the afternoon. Then it was Celtic’s turn for a swift reply. Maeda found space down the left and fired a ball across the floor which was failed to be cleared by Danny Wilson. A stramash ensued inside Jerome Prior’s six-yard box, with Hyun-Jun Yang getting the last touch to bring us to 2-2 only ten minutes into the contest. Celtic continued to threaten with chances coming close from Yang and Maeda, and they would get their breakthrough just on the half hour mark. Tierney found Nygren in space and Celtic’s top scorer for the season so far curled one home, clipping off the inside of the post to put the Hoops ahead for the first time this match and score his third goal in two games. And their lead would be doubled less than ten minutes later. Livingston defender Daniel Finlayson was penalised for handball and a penalty was awarded after referee Matthew MacDermid was advised for an on field review. Arne Engels stepped up, and the Belgian sent Prior in the Livi net the wrong way as he rolled the ball into the bottom right corner. Celtic appeared comfortable going into the interval with a two-goal lead, but their advantage was nearly halved with a flurry of chances in the dying minutes. Anthony Ralston got his head on a Lewis Smith cross to concede a corner, which led to deflected efforts for both Smith and Montano who was hunting a first half hat-trick, but both strikes went just over. There were cheers from the home crowd after they thought Auston Trusty had turned the ball into his own net, but the American international had only headed a Macaulay Tait cross behind for a corner. A charge led by Luke McCowan with around twenty-five minutes to play looked like the game was going to be put to bed. The visitors countered after defending a corner in a 4 vs 2. McCowan had options either side of him and went left to Yang, but the ball could have been better which gave Livingston time to regroup. And Celtic’s defensive fragility was continued to be exposed when Tait pounced on a slack pass and could not be caught as he drove forward. He lacked support however, as his pass across goal was easily cleared by Trusty. The result puts leaves Livingston with just one win all season, but it is only the fourth time in eleven defeats that they have lost by a margin of more than one goal. As for Celtic, they can level Hearts point tally on Tuesday if they are to beat Motherwell at Fir Park, with the Edinburgh side losing today’s derby at Hibs and not in action until the new year when they host today’s home side Livingston. LIVINGSTON: Prior 5, Finlayson 4, Wilson 5, McGowan 4, Montano 8 (Brenet 79’ 1), Tait 6 (Lawal 79’ 1), Pittman 6, Sylla 5, May 5 (Susoho 74’ 1), Smith 6, Yengi 5 (Bokila 46’ 4) (Muirhead 46’ 4) CELTIC: Sinisalo 5, Tierney 7, Trusty 7, Ralston 5, McCowan 7, Yang 6 (Donovan 71’ 2), Engels 6, McGregor 6, Nygren 8 (Hatate 71’ 2), Maeda 5, Kenny 5 (Bernardo 82’ 1)

December 27, 2025

Livingston 2-2 Dundee: Lions Roar Back From Two Behind to Rescue Vital Point

Livingston came from two goals behind Dundee to rescue a point as both sides played out a 2-2 epic at The Home of the Set Fare Arena. There was a lot riding on the line for both sides, with only four points separating the division’s bottom two, although Dundee have since moved up the table with Kilmarnock not in action until tomorrow. A classic game of two halves, Dundee looked set to win their first game on the road since the final day of the last season as they went up the tunnel at half-time two up thanks to goals from Yan Dhanda and Cameron Congreve. But David Martindale’s side looked reborn in the second period, with goals coming from Jeremy Bokila and Tete Yengi to give the hosts a deserved point as they were the team on the ascendancy for the entire second half. Pressure grows on Steven Pressley in the Dundee dugout, with the away section letting their grievances be heard with expletives this match report cannot repeat. Dundee got the first of their goals thirteen minutes in. Ethan Hamilton tested Jerome Prior with a pile-driver from distance, and the Frenchman’s save only went as far as Yan Dhanda, who made no mistake tapping the ball home for an away lead. And just five minutes later, the advantage doubled. Tony Yogane looped a ball in from the left wing, and the Dee’s star man Cameron Congreve executed a deft finish to send the travelling support into raptures. Not to be down and out, Livingston tried clawing their way back into the game, with Scott Pittman having the Lions’ best opportunity of making the game a contest once more. He found a half yard of space after some superb combination play from the home side, but Jon McCracken was equal to the effort. Just moments before referee Dan McFarlane’s half-time whistle, Dundee came close to making it three. Dhanda tried his upmost to turn provider, but his whipped set-piece glanced off of Billy Koumetio’s head and flew wide of the post. In the opening ten minutes of second period, McCracken in the Dundee net was on a one-man-mission to maintain his clean sheet. The former Scotland call-up was forced into two saves from Livi’s Lewis Smith and Cristian Montano in the same minute, with the latter effort potentially being a cross that was caught in the West Lothian wind. The hosts would get themselves back into the game with just over 25 minutes left to play. Colombian utility man Montano broke the Dundee defensive line with a wonderful ball through to Jeremy Bokila, who showed great composure to find the top left corner as his side’s persistence finally paid off. Stevie May stung the palms of McCracken with his attempt for the equaliser. His shot carried a lot of venom from the edge of the area, and the veteran had a low rocket deflect wide just one minute later with the game entering its final fifteen minutes. With 84 minutes on the clock, Australian Tete Yengi got Livingston’s inevitable equaliser having barely been on the pitch for a minute. A ball floated in from left and Yengi’s header sneaked through the legs of McCracken who will not want to see that one back. Livingston were reduced to ten in the final minute of added time, with captain Ryan McGowan adjudged to have denied an obvious goal scoring opportunity. Four points separate Dundee and Livingston, as it did before the game as well. Dundee move up to tenth with a game played more than Kilmarnock in eleventh. Livingston remain winless since the second game of the season, but will be delighted to get back into the game from two behind this afternoon. Livi make the trip to Paisley next weekend to face St. Mirren who have a cup final to deal with tomorrow. As for Dundee, it is another trip Southward to face Motherwell at Fir Park. LIVINGSTON: Prior 5, Montano 7, Wilson 6, McGowan 5, Finlayson 5, Susoho 4 (May 63’ 4), Tait 7, Smith 6, Pittman 6 (Yengi 83’ 4), Brenet 3 (McLennan 46’ 3), Bokila 7 (Muirhead 87’ 1) DUNDEE: McCracken 6, Wright 6, Koumetio 7, Graham 5, Astley 1 (Samuels 28’ 4), Yogane 7 (Acquah 89’ 1), Hamilton 6, Dhanda 6 (Jones 76’ 1), Digby 5, Congreve 6 (Ingram 76’ 1), Murray 5 (Hay 63’ 2)

December 13, 2025

Livingston vs Dundee – Match Preview

The bottom two will go head-to-head on Saturday as both look to pick up much needed points. The last meeting between these two came in September of this year, where Dundee won 3-2 courtesy of a last minute penalty from Callum Jones. Dundee have had the better of Livingston in each of their last four meetings. The last time Livingston beat Dundee was back in May 2022, when Andrew Shinnie and Alan Forrest both scored late on. Livingston have struggled on their return to the top flight. David Martindale’s side sit bottom of the table on eight points, winning one, drawing five and losing nine of their fifteen matches, which is the fewest by any side at this stage of a Scottish Premiership campaign since Falkirk back in 2009-10, who also won one. Livingston’s one and only win so far came in their second game of the campaign, where they beat fellow promoted side Falkirk 3-1 at home. The Lions come into this fixture off the back of a 3-0 loss against Motherwell at Fir Park. Dundee have also had a difficult start to their Premiership campaign. Steven Pressley’s side sit in 11th place on twelve points, winning three, drawing three and losing ten of their sixteen matches. Dundee’s last win came against St Mirren on November 29th at Dens Park, where Alexandros Gogic scored an own goal, Drew Wright and Joe Westley both found the net in a 3-1 home win. Despite their dismal start to the season, The Dark Blues have picked up some notable results so far this season, drawing 1-1 against Rangers at Ibrox in their second game of the Premiership campaign and beating Celtic 2-0 at home, however, despite that, their league position does not lie, but a win on Saturday could see them climb up to 10th, should Kilmarnock fail to beat an inform Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday. Both of these sides are right at the bottom in terms of clean sheets. Livingston have kept the fewest, only managing to keep one in sixteen Premiership matches, while Dundee have only kept two in sixteen matches. Dundee have scored the fewest goals in the Premiership so far, only scoring thirteen in sixteen matches, which is an average of 0.80 goals per game. Livingston have enjoyed a slightly better start in front of goal, scoring fifteen in fifteen matches. David Martindale’s reaction to defeat against Motherwell: “We shot ourselves in the foot, we were playing too narrow. They hit us with a couple of counters. “Second half I didn’t think there was a lot in it and we give away a penalty. I’ve not had a chance to look at it back, i’m not interested in that to be honest. Then the game becomes difficult.” Steven Pressley’s pre-match thoughts: “This weekend is a big game for us and Livingston, very much so. “I said before St Mirren that the position of the teams heightened the importance of the game and this one is the same. Both teams know they have to try to get something from it. “Going into this time of the season is always really important and we’d love to do it with some momentum. “Our run of games has been really difficult but over the Christmas and New Year period we play a lot of the teams around us. “That’s a good thing but it also heightens the importance of each game.”

December 12, 2025

Livingston 0-1 Aberdeen: Former Lion Haunts Hosts to Steal Victory for Dons

Livingston 0-1 Aberdeen Devlin (80′) A late Nicky Devlin header secured a key victory for Aberdeen in a scrappy encounter at the Set Fare Arena, which left the hosts rooted to the bottom of the Scottish Premiership. The first opportunity didn’t occur until the 15-minute mark, when Danny Wilson directed Stevie May’s looping free-kick wide of the goal. Moments later, Mo Susoho forced Dimitar Mitov into a low save after smart hold-up play by Tete Yengi, as the Lions searched for the opener. Mitov diverted Lewis Smith’s driven cross on the 20-minute mark to keep the scores level. The home side had their opponents on the back foot, and the sea of red support voiced their disapproval of their team’s timid start. They eventually carved out a clear opening in the 23rd minute. Captain Graeme Shinnie broke forward, allowing Jesper Karlsson to drive at the Livingston defence. After moving the ball to his right, he unleashed a deflected shot which crept past the post. Livingston continued to pose a threat, but Daniel Finlayson’s header lacked direction from May’s next free kick on the half-hour mark. May resumed his set-piece barrage minutes later. His 25-yard free-kick was pushed away by Mitov before thumping his second effort into the advertising boards. Sammy Lawal marauded down the Livingston right in the 37th minute, Scott Pittman collected his infield pass, but his shot deflected over. Summer signings Adil Aouchiche and Karlsson linked for Aberdeen on the 40-minute mark, but Jeromie Prior easily gathered the latter’s poked shot. Both sides pushed for the opener in the second half, but Mitov and Prior had little to do. Stuart Armstrong’s right-footed cross was headed into the ground by Marko Lazetic. The striker had endured a difficult opening hour and was substituted moments later. Yengi fashioned a decent opening on the hour mark. His right-footed strike from the edge of the box was saved by Mitov after a clever Lewis Smith pass. Karlsson looked to be Aberdeen’s best outlet for winning the game. He sprung infield in the 70th minute and flashed a shot wide of Prior’s top corner. Dylan Lobban looked lively on the Aberdeen right. His whipped cross was directed towards the goal by Armstrong, but Prior was alert to save. The visitors opened the scoring in the final ten minutes. Topi Keskinen lifted a cross to the backpost, which former Livi star Nicky Devlin headed home across Prior. The visitors saw out the game, confirming a priceless victory which moves them into 7th spot in the Scottish Premiership. Livingston: Prior 6 Lawal 6 Wilson 6 Finlayson 6 Montano 6 Pittman 7 Tait 7 Susoho 6 Smith 7 May 7 Yengi 7 Substitutes: Carey 6 Brenet 6 Bokila 5 Muirhead 5 Aberdeen: Mitov 7 Devlin 7 Milne 7 Knoester 6 Lobban 7 Shinnie 6 Heltne Nilsen 6 Aouchiche 6 Armstrong 6 Karlsson 7 Lazetic 5 Substitutes: Nisbet 6 Polvara 6 Keskinen 5 Milanovic 5 Clarkston 5

November 30, 2025

Livingston 1-2 Motherwell: Visitors Move Into Top Six after Late Win

Livingston 1-2 Motherwell Bokila (26′ pen) Stamatelopoulos (59′ pen) Just (90+3′) Motherwell leave it late to sting Livi and send the away end into an eruption. Livingston should’ve been ahead after 8 minutes. Bokila took way too long on the ball, taking numerous touches, and when it was unleashed, it was a simple stop by Ward, which landed at Stevie May, but the striker failed to get the hosts ahead. After 12 minutes, a short ball from Said onto the foot of Maswanhise, but a heavy touch by the winger made it a simple catch by the Frenchman in the goals. After 19 minutes, Mo Sylla had a good run into the visitors’ half where he slid the ball onto Stevie May with whose effort struck wide of the goal. Livingston, after 25 minutes, were awarded a spot kick as Bokila smashed home to give Livingston the lead. Livi should’ve been two ahead after 30. Sylla won the ball and put it through to Muirhead. A darting run from the striker into May, whose shot was saved well by Ward, with Muirhead’s rebounded effort going over. Livi go into the break one goal to the good. Motherwell didn’t really test Prior in the Livi goals and probably deserved a lead by the hosts, but an even enough opening 45. On the hour mark, Motherwell were awarded a spot kick of their own with Stamatelopoulos making no mistake and giving the visitors a crucial equaliser. Motherwell quickly went on to score a second to go ahead, a run by Watt which found Stamatelopoulos, but after a VAR check, the decision was offside, which kept the game all square. Livingston had a big chance in 70 minutes, Sylla with a ball into the edge of the box, which found Pittman, who slotted it into the box, but the ball fired past substitute Yengi, which ensured the game remained level. Livi then had a fantastic chance to go back ahead. A ball into the box with Sylla, who headed the ball into Yengi, who was just yards out, but failing to control the ball as Ward is down to collect the ball. Motherwell on 77 minutes should’ve been ahead this time. It was Stamatelopoulos from close range, but he smashed the ball over the bar, which should’ve at least found the target. An event last stage of the game in Livingston. Charles-Cook was close to firing the well ahead, a cross in by Fadinger and the substitute with an overhead kick but missing the target. The steelmen thought they had won it right at the death, a tap-in by Just, but VAR ruled it out for offside. Just came up with another, a strike from distance which fired into the top left-hand corner as the whistle goes and Motherwell leave with a win Livingston: Prior 6 Pittman 6 Muirhead 6 May 7 Bokila 8 Finlayson 6 Sylla 8 Tait 6 Montano 6 Wilson 6 Brenet 6. Substitutes: Susoho 6 Smith 6 Yengi 5 Motherwell: Ward 6 O’Donnell 7 Gordon 6 Welsh 7 Longelo 7 Watt 7 Fadinger 7 Said 7 Just 8 Maswanhise 6 Stamatelopoulos 8 Substitutes: McGinn 7 Koutroumbis 6 Slattery 8 Charles-Cook 6 Hendry 6.

October 25, 2025

Hibernian 4-0 Livingston: Gray’s Men Banish Derby Demons with Dominant Victory

Hibernian 4 – 0 Livingston Klidje (9′) McGrath (52′ pen) Hoilett (79′, 89′) A Thibault Klidje-inspired Hibs recorded their first home league win of the season against Livingston. Livingston won the first corner of the game, but it was Hibs who produced the first chance of the match. Kieron Bowie found Nicky Cadden in space on the left of the box, but the wingback blazed over. A stray pass allowed Josh Mulligan to unleash a deflected shot moments later, as Hibs continued their search for an opener. Klidje gave Hibs a deserved lead in the 10th minute. A smart touch allowed the attacker to race into the box from Daniel Barlaser’s pass. The record signing fired a right-footed strike into the roof of Jerome Prior’s net for a prolific finish. Klidje showcased electric pace in the 13th minute, rampaging onto a loose ball, but his shot lacked power as Prior easily gathered. Hibs boss David Gray had urged his side to deliver a “reaction” after the devastating Edinburgh derby defeat two weeks ago, and would have been pleased with his side’s intent on their return to Easter Road. The home side almost doubled their lead in the 20th minute. Warren O’Hora kept a corner alive at the back post, but Grant Hanley could not bundle home in the six-yard box. The visitors were forced into an early change moments later, as Blaney walked off to be replaced by Andy Winter. Stevie May led the line with some clever touches, helping his side gain territory on several occasions. Still, it was proving to be a difficult opening period for Davie Martindale’s team. Bowie threatened to add his fourth league goal of the season in the 23rd minute, connecting in the box with a right-footed volley which whistled past the post. Klidje continued to cause terror for the Livingston backline. Captain for the day, Danny Wilson misjudged a looping ball in the 34th minute, but the Togolese striker dragged wide from the acute angle. He dispossessed the Livingston defence again in the 38th minute, playing an incisive ball for Cadden in the box. Once more, the wing-back lacked the necessary composure and blazed over Prior’s goal. Connor McLennan had a chance to bring Livingston level after a corner kick routine, but his strike went high into the Famous Five Stand from May’s cutback. Despite holding a halftime lead, Gray would be keen for his side to add to their lead, with Hibs already losing four points from winning positions this season. Jamie McGrath has enjoyed a positive start to his Hibs career since a summer move from Aberdeen. His chest and volley from the edge of the box had to be tipped over by Prior. McGrath was involved again moments later, playing a reversed ball to Barlaser, whose left-footed strike was palmed away. Klidje was dragged down in the Livingston box in the 50th minute, as Hibs were awarded a penalty. McGrath made no mistake, rolling past Prior for a deserved second goal. May cleared Grant Hanley’s towering header off the line in the 53rd minute, as the home side continued to threaten. The Hibees have drawn five of their opening seven league matches, but looked set to record a league victory for the first time since August 2nd. There was a bite about the home side, regularly dispossessing a ragged Livingston side for much of the 90 minutes. Despite the dominance, an uncomfortable moment occurred in the 63rd minute, as a rare Livingston corner dropped in the six-yard box. Thankfully, for the home support, the ball was swiftly cleared. Robbie Muirhead produced a terrific 35-yard strike as the visitors looked to respond. Raphael Sallinger had to be alert to push the ball away. Junior Hoilett headed home in the 79th minute and sidefooted a fourth Hibs goal ten minutes later to banish any thought of a Livingston comeback. It had been a comfortable afternoon for the Leith side, who moved into 3rd place in the Scottish Premiership. They travel to Pittodrie next Sunday to face Aberdeen, whilst Livingston will look to bounce back against Motherwell the day before. Hibernian: Sallinger 7 O’Hora 7 Hanley 7 Iredale 7 C Cadden 7 Mulligan 7 Barlaser 7 McGrath 8 N Cadden 7 Bowie 7 Klidje 8 Substitutes: Boyle 7 Hoilett 7 Chaiwa 6 Campbell 5 Livingston: Prior 6 Finlayson 6 Sylla 6 Wilson 5 Blaney 5 Montgomery 6 Pittman 6 Susoho 6 McLennan 6 May 6 Bokila 5 Substitutes: Winter 6 Muirhead 5 Tait 5 Montano 5 Shinnie 5

October 18, 2025

Hibernian v Livingston Match Preview

Hibernian host Livingston at Easter Road on Saturday afternoon in the Scottish Premiership. Recent Form The Easter Road side will be fully focused on bouncing back from a frustrating 1-0 defeat to city rivals Hearts at Tynecastle before the international break. Craig Halkett’s stoppage-time winner meant Hibs tasted defeat for the first time this campaign. Before that, they had drawn their previous five games. A slow start to domestic proceedings has left the Leith outfit sitting seventh in the Premiership table, with eight points from seven matches. David Gray’s men have endured a difficult opening to their league run, with their only victory of the season so far coming on the opening day — a 2-1 win away to Dundee at Dens Park. On their return to the top flight, Livingston sit ninth in the Premiership, having picked up six points from eight matches. The West Lothian side have played a game more than their opponents this afternoon — registering one win, drawing three and losing four in their eight league encounters. Livingston have found themselves on the wrong end of stoppage-time defeats against Hearts, Dundee and Rangers this season. Before the international break, Livingston earned a 1-1 draw against Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United at Tannadice. Scott Pittman fired the visitors ahead in the first half before Dundee United centre-back Krisztián Keresztes levelled matters in the second. Previous Meetings The two sides also met in the Premier Sports Cup round of 16 back in August at the Home of the Set Fare Arena. Hibs ran out convincing 2-0 winners on the day, courtesy of goals from Thibault Klidjé and Josh Mulligan. Team News David Gray is expected to have a fully fit squad, except midfielders Alasana Manneh and Joe Newell. Miguel Chaiwa and Elie Youan will return from their respective injuries. Joe Newell is edging closer to a return following a long-term layoff; however, this game will come too soon for the 32-year-old. Livingston are hopeful of registering Curaçao international Joshua Brenet in time for this one. The full-back joined the club as a free agent. Meanwhile, Cristian Montano, Cammy Kerr and Aidan Denholm are all close to returning to action.

October 18, 2025

Late Aarons Goal Secures First League Victory for Rangers

Livingston 1-2 Rangers Sylla (68′) Tavernier (23′) Aarons (90+4′) Russell Martin’s Rangers left it late at The Set Fare Arena to win their first league game of the Scottish Premiership season. Livingston looked dangerous in the opening exchanges, but Jack Butland blocked Stevie May’s right-footed shot and saved Lewis Smith’s curling strike as the home side searched for the opener. After the early pressure, Russell Martin’s side established better control of the game. Bojan Miovski collected a delicate Nicolas Raskin touch, but the Macedonian striker blazed his strike into the visiting support. Rangers took the lead after 23 minutes. Djeidi Gassama’s deep cross was kept alive by Oliver Antman at the back post for captain James Tavernier to volley home. Tavernier had a chance to double the lead from the penalty spot moments later, but Jerome Prior was up to the challenge, saving low to his right. Connor Barron looked an assured presence in the heart of the Rangers midfield, and almost added a third with a low drive. Prior pulled a terrific low save to keep the score at one. Prior continued to keep Livingston alive, this time diverting a Miovski volley onto the crossbar after Tavernier’s corner on 41 minutes. Derek Cornelius thought he had doubled Rangers on the stroke of halftime after bundling home Tavernier’s free kick. VAR rightly disallowed the goal as the Canadian defender had controlled the ball with his right arm, and was offside. Despite some early scares and a slender advantage, Rangers had produced an improved performance in the first half. Davie Martindale’s last home victory over Rangers came in 2018, and his side started the second period with endeavour. May raced clear of the defence and collided with Souttar in the box, but referee John Beaton quickly waved off the home side’s penalty shout. May was involved again after 63 minutes, collecting Adam Montgomery’s backheel, and firing a fierce strike at Butland in goal. They equalised after 68 minutes, Mo Sylla powered home an inswinging cross, which was thoroughly deserved for Martindale’s boys. Livingston continued to probe on the counterattack but didn’t threaten Butland’s goal any further. Rangers won the game in the 94th minute. Tavernier’s cross dropped to substitute Max Aarons, who drilled a low shot into the corner. The goal sent Russell Martin and the large contingent of travelling fans into a frenzy. Rangers return to Europa League action in Austria against Sturm Graz on Thursday evening, and Livingston travel to Tannadice to face Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United. Livingston: Prior 7 Findlayson 6 Wilson 6 Montgomery 6 Pittman 6 Tait 6 Sylla 6 Susoho 6 Winter 6 May 6 Substitutes: McLennan 5 Blaney 6 Bokoli 5 Carey Yengi Rangers: Butland 6 Tavernier 6 Cornelius 6 Souttar 6 Meghoma 6 Barron 7 Raskin 7 Aasgaard 5 Antman 5 Gassama 7 Miovski 6 Substitutes: Chermiti 6 Aarons 6 Rothwell 6 Bajrami Moore

September 28, 2025

Reviewing Each Scottish Premiership Club’s Transfer Business

A summer of change across the Scottish Premiership with five new managers in the door across the division, a summer of wheeling and dealing ensued as clubs looked to shape their squads. We review the business of each club and unpack the winners and losers of the window. Aberdeen – 6/10 Fresh on the back of an impressive Scottish Cup win, Aberdeen’s main priority was to strengthen the side to be capable of competing on all four fronts, as they secured a place in European Football. Jimmy Thelin looked to the Scandinavian market, bringing in Krtjan Mar Kjartansson and Kenan Bilalovic. Alfie Dorrington returned for a season-long loan from Tottenham to bolster the backline, while Kusini Yengi was brought into the club for attacking options. Aberdeen’s window was heavily focused on the forward areas. They sold cup final hero Shayden Morris as well as the club’s talisman, Pape Gueye, which weakened the squad. Their deadline day was the most successful, bringing in Kevin Nisbet and exciting winger Jesper Karlsson. A mixed window for the Dons, as they have brought in a lot of youthful talent, while losing two key players. The addition of Karlsson saved their window from being lacklustre. Celtic – 3/10 Going into the summer as Champions, it was clear to see Celtic needed attacking reinforcements. Buoyed by the return of Kieran Tierney, it looked like it was going to be an exciting window for the Hoops. Nicolas Kuhn left the club to join Italian side Como, whilst fringe players Palma and Tillio departed alongside him to Poland and Austria. Having sold Kyogo Furahashi in January, a new striker was top of the shopping list; however, this failed to come to fruition. Benjamin Nygren, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sebastian Toukneti look to have bolstered Celtic out wide; however, their lack of a number nine is an issue. Callum Osmand and Shin Yamada look to be project players, whilst Adam Idah has been sold to Swansea. Kelechi Iheanacho has since been brought in; however, this is outside the window, so it doesn’t count towards their rating. All in all, a poor window for Celtic, where they leave it weaker than when they entered. Dundee – 5/10 Tony Docherty replaced by Steven Pressley as a summer of change engulfed the Dens Park Side. Losing key players Josh Mulligan, Lyall Cameron and Mo Sylla, it was an important first window for Pressley. Yan Dhanda is their signing of the summer as he looks to rediscover his Ross County form. Paul Digby and Drey Wright look to be a good bit of business. However, it has been a summer of unknown at Dundee. There are a lot of question marks over their signings, with youthful players sprinkled in alongside experienced ones. Dundee United – 6/10 European Football secured Jim Goodwin set off to strengthen his squad for the European qualifiers, having lost a large number of players. It was an interesting window from the Tanadice side, with a lot of unknowns from across Europe joining the club. Zac Sapsford and Ivan Dolcek look to be the finds for the club, looking very impressive early on. The return of Liverpool loanee Luca Stephenson also boosted Jim Goodwin. There are many unknowns surrounding Dundee United’s transfer window, including the signings of Lucie Lovu, Bert Esselink, and Dario Naamo, to name a few. The Tangerines have expanded their presence in the European market by bringing in ten players from across the continent. The only issue with Jim Goodwin’s business is the number of loans, as they are in key areas of the pitch, although some do have the option to buy. Falkirk – 4/10 Falkirk, after a long hiatus, returned to the top flight of Scottish football. Their window, however, does not exactly scream we are here to stay. Scott Bain was the marquee signing joining from Celtic following the expiry of his contract. Brian Graham was also brought in; his experience is sure to help the Bairns. Four loan deals Falkirk look set to repay the faith to the players who helped them reach the Premiership. However, it’s been a poor window in which they haven’t strengthened enough to maintain Premiership status. Hearts – 8/10 Fresh from the investment of Tony Bloom and the addition of Jamestown Analytics, Hearts have had one of the best windows in the league. Alexandros Kyziridis and Claudio Braga have added an exciting option on the wing, with the latter enjoying a great start to life at Tyencastle. Elton Kabangu made his move permanent after spending the latter end of last season on loan. Whilst the club shelled out a club record fee to bring in exciting young midfielder Ageu from Portuguese side Santa Clara. Stuart Findlay was brought in as a favourite of Derek McInnes to tighten up the backline. Hearts also made a healthy profit from the sale of James Penrice, a man they paid nothing for the previous summer. It has been an exciting window for Hearts, the only downside being that their squad does look slightly bulky, as they have failed to ship out some of the deadwood. The likes of Kenneth Vargas remain at the club despite not being in the plans. Hibernian – 9/10 Hibs, for me, have had the best summer in the Scottish Premiership. Jamie McGrath and Josh Mulligan joined the Leith side on free transfers following the expiration of their contracts elsewhere. The Easter Road side also shelled out a reported one million pounds for striker Thiabult Klidje. Grant Hanley, a seasoned professional, made the move to Scotland after spending the majority of his career in the south. He adds stability to the backline, which, at times last season, looked shaky. Going out the door was Dylan Vente, who left the club after failing to impress in his time in the capital. Whilst Moriah-Welsh and Ekpiteta left to join clubs down south. Excellent business from the Leith side, as their new signings have fitted in seamlessly, and they look to have really strengthened their side

September 3, 2025

Livingston