Date: 2/5/2025

Time: 19:45

Location: Home of the Set Fare Arena

With the possibility of Livingston winning the Scottish Championship, this fixture would surely be one to remember. The title was in the hands of Falkirk, who just had to win their remaining game to lift the title. However, with Livingston hot on their heels, they were hoping Falkirk would slip up, allowing them a shot at first place.

Livingston failed to make their chances count in the final game of the season. After a dominant 90 minutes, the side just couldn’t find the back of the net.

First Half

There was an early chance for player-manager Brian Graham, as the ball fell to him just inside the box after a poor attempt at a defensive clearance. Unfortunately for the visitors, his shot was just over the bar.

An even bigger chance came five minutes in, as Robbie Muirhead was played through one-on-one with the keeper, his shot was far from clinical, resulting in an easy save for David Mitchell.

In an enthriling start, the hosts had plenty of chances and looked to give themselves an early advantage. However, they couldn’t manage to find the back of the net.

Another big chance came for Livingston as they continued their search for the opener. Nice link-up play from Robhie Fraser and Cristian Montano, saw the winger at the byline. His cross was hit low and hard, but was eventually put out for a corner.

The first yellow card of the game came 19 minutes in, as Luke McBeth brought down Montano on the halfway line. Stopping a potential counterattack.

As the game passed thirty minutes, the hosts continued to be the stronger side. They looked the more likely of the two teams to score, they created more chances, and held onto the ball a lot better.

The visitors took an unlikely lead in the 38th minute, as nice link-up play down the right saw Kanayo Mega firing a cross into the box. Unfortunately for Macauley Tait, it was his deflection that steered the ball into his own net.

Just two minutes later, the hosts had a massive chance of their own. After some great hold-up play from Muirhead, the ball was set up perfectly for Stephen Kelly, whose curling effort from just inside the box crashed off the crossbar.

As half time fell, it was the away team heading into the dressing room with the advantage. After a frantic start, the hosts dominated, but failed to capitalise on their chances.

Second Half

Just five minutes into the second half, due to an Injury, Sean Kelly was the first change of the match. He was replaced by Steven Lawless, which seemed to make a change in their tactical approach.

Ryan McGowan was awarded a yellow card in the 58th minute for a challenge that had the home fans in complete dismissal. A coming together saw the centre back play his pass, then make contact.

Livingston almost had themselves level just past the hour mark, as Lewis Smith floated his cross into the six-yard box. Mitchell punched the ball away. However, Muirhead latched onto it, getting his effort at goal cleared off the line.

Another chance came the hosts’ way in the 67th minute after Smith latched onto a cross into the box. The winger took a touch with his chest but had his effort at goal blocked.

With just over 15 minutes left, Livingston made a double change, with grabbing a goal or two in mind. Stevie May and Daniel Finlayson replaced Jamie Brandon and Robbie Muirhead.

As the game neared the end, Livingston continued to apply pressure. However, they couldn’t pull it together to find the back of the net.

After ten additional minutes, the game remained 0-1. An unfortunate end to the season as the hosts head into the playoffs.

Managers’ comments to come…

Lineups:

Livingston: J.Prior, R.McGowan, S.Pittman(A.Shinnie), S.Kelly, R.Fraser, J.Brandon(D.Finlayson), L.Smith, R.Muirhead(S.May), M.Tait, C.Montano(T.Yengi), D.Wilson

Substitutes: J.Hamilton, S.Donnellan, M.Clarke, R.McAlear, T.Yengi, S.May, D.Finlayson, M.Nottingham, A.Shinnie

Manager: D.Martindale

Partick Thistle: D.Mitchell, S.Kelly(S.Lawless), K.Turner, B.Graham, R.Crawford(T.Ablade), L.McBeth, D.O’Reilly, A.Fitzpatrick(Z.MacKenzie), L.Ashcroft, B.Stanway, K.Megwa

Substitutes: L.Budinauckas, L.Cameron, S.Lawless, T.Ablade, Z.macKenzie, M.Falconer, N.Lockhart

Manager(s): M.Wilson/B.Graham

Attendance: 3,819