Match Report - By Steven Mew

Report by Steven Mew

Following a resounding defeat against Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena yesterday afternoon, City have just one game left to spare their blushes and record a win in the Championship.

The game mirrored the midweek clash against Dundee United somewhat, with City containing the opposition in the first half but running out of steam late on against a Livi side who have surpassed all expectations this season.

Manager Darren Dods was forced into several changes from the defeat against the Tangerines, with Jordan Sinclair and Euan Spark missing out through injury whilst on-loan striker Dylan Mackin was inelgiable to play against his parent club. Coming into the starting eleven were Euan Smith, Aron Lynas and Callumn Morrison.

It was City who had the first chance of the game when Callumn Morrison made some space for himself on the edge of the box but he couldn’t connect properly with the shot and the ball went harmlessly over the bar.

City looked reasonably comfortable during the early stages of the match – so much so that it took until the 25th minute for the home side to register their first meaningful effort. Nicky Cadden whipped an inviting free kick into the box which was headed wide by Declan Gallagher.

At the other end, a long ball upfield by Lynas was flicked on by Orsi into the path of Layne, he brought the ball forward before striking for goal but his shot was tipped round the post by Neil Alexander in the Livi goal.

Barely a minute later, Graeme Smith was called into action when he made a fine one handed save to deny Byrne from the edge of the box and he had to be alert to keep out De Vita’s follow up effort from a difficult angle.

Keaghan Jacobs went for glory with a free kick from 30 yards which ended up over the bar and shortly after, Lithgow fed the ball out wide to Cadden who came inside on his right foot before firing a shot straight at Smith.

Although the hosts were starting assert their authority on the game, City continued to look menacing on the break. Orsi again combined with Layne who went for goal from the edge of the box but Alexander got down well to save.

With the half time break fast approaching, Livi conjured up what was probably the best chance of the half when Lee Miller cut the ball back for Pittman but he blazed his effort over the bar when he really should have hit the target.

The home side came flying out the traps in the second period with De Vita firing straight at ‘Buzz’ before the City keeper made another terrific save to keep the score level. A long throw into the box was punched clear but only as far as Lee Miller who headed for goal but Smith made an excellent one-handed save to deny the experienced frontman.

Just before the hour mark, City had Smith to thank yet again when he made a smart save with his chest to deny De Vita from close range.

With 67 minutes on the clock, Livi’s pressure paid off when they broke the deadlock. Despite what appeared to be a clear handball in the build up, play was allowed to continue as Mullin rampaged up the right wing before delivering an inch perfect cross for SCOTT PITTMAN who stooped to conquer – his diving header flew past Smith in the City goal.

City were struggling to get out of their own half at this stage as the home side piled men forward in search of a second goal. They nearly found it when Hardie played a clever one-two with Mullin before striking for goal but Smith did well to save with his feet.

It wasn’t too long before the Lions doubled their advantage. A slack pass from Lynas went straight to Hardie who slipped the ball wide for substitute JACKSON LONGRIDGE who scored with his first touch, placing the ball into the far corner of the net.

With just three minutes remaining, Livi put the icing on the cake with a third goal. On-loan Rangers man RYAN HARDIE was allowed far too much time and space on the edge of the box – he curled a splendid effort beyond the reach of Smith and into the far corner.

Despite a solid first half showing, it was ultimately another disappointing result for City which means they will end the season without a single point to show from their travels.

Congratulations go out to Livingston who clinched 2nd place in the Championship with this victory, coupled with Dundee United losing to QotS at Palmerston – a quite remarkable achievement for David Hopkins’ men who have defied the odds despite having only been promoted from League One in the summer.

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