Match Report - By Steven Mew

Report by Steven Mew

City were unable to tame the Lions at the Tony Macaroni Arena yesterday afternoon as they slipped to yet another narrow one goal defeat.

Darren Dods and his side knew they’d be in for a tough game, with David Hopkins’ Livi side currently surpassing all expectations in the Championship after winning the League 1 title last season.

For only the second time this season, Darren Dods kept faith with the same 11 that were beaten narrowly by Queen of the South at Glebe Park last weekend, with Liam Watt and Isaac Layne keeping their places at the expense of Finn Graham and Kalvin Orsi who again had to settle for the substitutes bench. On top of long term absentees Andy Jackson and Ryan McGeever, City were also without the services of Ally Love who commenced a 2 match ban following his straight red last week.

The game got off to a disastrous start for City as they found themselves a goal down with just 3 minutes on the clock. JACK MCMILLAN received the ball on the right hand side of the penalty box and struck for goal however Graeme Smith could only palm the ball goalwards and was unable to stop the ball crossing the line.

Despite this early blow, City didn’t let their heads go down and immediately sought to get back into the game. Isaac Layne received a pass on the edge of the box, turned his marker before striking a powerful low just wide of the goal.

It wasn’t long until City were on level terms. Connor McLennan was fouled around 25 yards out and JORDAN SINCLAIR, at his old stomping ground having been released by Livi in the Summer, stepped up to curl a free kick which sneaked in at Alexander’s near post.

At the other end, Declan Gallagher was unlucky to see his header go just wide of the post after an inch perfect James Penrice cross. Just minutes later Raffaele De Vita wriggled past his marker but his effort sailed well over the crossbar.

The remaining 25 minutes of the first half went without any action of note, other than an unsavoury incident between Connor McLennan and Declan Gallagher which caused a melee and resulted in both players being booked. Skipper Paul McLean was also cautioned for his involvement.

Early into the second half, City had to survive through some sustained pressure from the home side. Dylan Mackin - who had replaced goalscorer McMillan at half time was causing problems upfront and Smith had to be alert to palm his shot away. From the resulting corner, Alan Lithgow headed onto the roof of the net.

The Lions were not to be denied as they restored their lead on the hour mark. A corner was cleared by the City defence out to Josh Mullin, his cross back into the box wasn’t dealt with and the ball fell kindly for skipper CRAIG HALKETT who made no mistake, prodding the ball home.

It wasn’t long before the home side put some clear daylight between the teams with a third goal nine minutes later. An initial effort from DYLAN MACKIN in the box was kept out by Smith, but the ex Alloa man made no mistake with the rebound.

Livi went in search of another goal as they looked to put the game beyond doubt. A corner from Mullin was flicked on to Gallagher who could only hook the ball over the bar. Minutes later De Vita sent a rasping half volley just wide of the post.

City weren’t quite out of the game yet. At the other end James Dale played an intelligent lobbed pass through for Isaac Layne who bore down on goal but Alexander did well to get an touch on his effort, deflecting the ball for a corner.

A welcome sight for City fans was the return of Euan Smith who replaced goalscorer Jordan Sinclair after 78 minutes. This was Euan’s first competitive action since suffering cruciate ligament damage at Alloa on Christmas Eve last year.

You would never have guessed Smith was sidelined for 10 months as he slotted effortlessly in midfield, looking neat and tidy on the ball. He was next to have an effort when he turned his marker but his left foot shot whistled past the upright.

With five minutes remaining, City were thrown a lifeline as referee Stephen Finnie pointed to the spot after Gallagher had fouled Finn Graham in the area. KALVIN ORSI took responsibility and calmly rolled the ball into the corner for his 3rd goal of the season.

City piled bodies forward in the closing stages in search of an unlikely equaliser, however the Livi defence held firm as they moved up to 2nd place in the table.

City face a crucial game next weekend as they host fellow part timers Dumbarton at Glebe Park – a match that Darren Dods and his side will be desperate to win in order to keep in touch with the pack.

Other Results - Ladbrokes Championship

Dumbarton 0 Dundee United 2

Managerless United come out on top.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle 1 Dunfermline Athletic 0

A Connor Bell goal enough to see off the Pars.

Queen of the South 4 Falkirk 2

Queens thump the Bairns at Palmerston.

St Mirren 2 Morton 2

An entertaining Renfrewshire derby.