Robbie Muirhead’s brace and goals from Andy Winter, Adam Montgomery, Shane Blaney, and Stevie May saw Livingston cruise to a commanding 6–0 victory over Kelty Hearts, securing second place in their Premier Sports Cup group.

New Livingston Signings Adam Montgomery and Aidan Denholm featured in the Livingston squad as the team looked to end its cup group stages on a high note. Montgomery, who signed from Celtic, debuted as a left-back, with Denholm starting on the bench.

A bright start from the Lions saw Winter knock the ball past two Kelty defenders, whipping it into the box, but seeing the chance cleared wide. From the resulting corner, Graham Carey’s ball was delivered into the front post and won by Winter. His header was flicked to the back post, beating Corey Armour and putting the hosts 1-0 up just minutes into the game.

Only ten minutes into the game, Kelty were forced into an early change. Craig Clay came off due to injury; a Trialist replaced him.

In the 26th minute, the debutant Adam Montgomery doubled the hosts’ lead. After making his run from left back into the box, a pass from Graham Carey came to him. He made no mistake, latching onto the opportunity, firing the ball into the side netting past Armour.

Two minutes later, Livingston was awarded a free kick 30 yards out from goal. Robbie Muirhead stood over it, using this opportunity to get a shot at the goal. He hit the free kick well, dipping just over the wall and into the back of the net.

Muirhead made it a brace in the 37th minute, after Daniel Finlayson’s cross from the byline found him unmarked just outside the six-yard box. Muirhead’s well-taken header capped another dominant spell for Livingston as they continued to assert their control.

Minutes before half-time, Livingston thought they had added another to their already strong lead. After some great play down the right-hand side, Winter crossed a ball into the box, and it found its way to Scott Pittman, whose shot crashed off the crossbar, rebounding off the line.

The hosts made two substitutes at the break, bringing on Aidan Denholm and Sam Culbert with Scott Pittman and Daniel Finlayson coming off.

After some poor defensive play from Montgomery, James Graham found himself in a shooting position against Jerome Prior. His shot, however, was straight at Prior, leaving him an easy save to make—a big chance for Kelty to get a goal back.

Due to injury, Denholm’s Livingston debut was cut short. He was substituted in the 67th minute, being replaced by Stevie May.

In the 78th minute, Winter had a huge chance to grab a brace. Winter found himself in a shooting position after a poorly cleared cross fell to the back post. His strike, however, was saved very well by Armour.

Livingston then made their final substitution of the match, with Shane Blaney coming on for Adam Montgomery.

Livingston were sharp to take their corner in the 85th minute, catching the Kelty defenders off guard as Shane Blaney grabbed a late goal.

Only minutes later, Stevie May headed the ball home. A great ball over the top of the defence from Carey saw May bearing down on goal. He calmly headed the ball past the keeper, making it 6-0.

Lineups:

Livingston: J. Prior, A. Montgomery, R. McGowan, S. Pittman, R. Muirhead, G. Carey, A. Winter, D. Findlayson, M. Sylla, M. Tait, D. Wilson

Subs: J. Hamilton, S. Blaney, A. Denholm, Z. Rudden, L. Smith, S. May, A. Shinnie, S. Culberts, J. Wanner

Kelty Hearts: C. Armour, M. Thomas, A. Arnott, C. Johnston, L. Carrol, J. Graham, C. Clay, L. McCarvel, S. Mercer, C. Masson, J. Teasdale

Subs: R. Adamson, B. Paterson, I. Murray, R. Cole, Trialist, C. Bexfield, G. Leitch, J. Brydon

Attendance: 843