Brave Ryan McGowan made a crucial intervention in the dying seconds of Livingston’s William Hill Premiership clash at Aberdeen to earn The Lions a valuable point.
The West Lothian club’s skipper deflected Leighton Clarkson’s effort over the bar just before the final whistle to secure a hard-earned point for David Martindale’s men.
Goalkeeper Jerome Prior made several crucial stops to deny The Dons who have so far failed to find the net in their five league matches despite splashing the cash on several players, including former Hibs striker, Kevin Nisbet, ex Southampton midfielder, Stuart Armstrong, and Bologna winger, Jesper Karlsson, just before the transfer deadline.
Earlier, Marko Lazetic had hit the woodwork for the home side and Topi Keskinen went close with a low shot, but, overall, Martindale told BBC Sport Scotland: “I thought it was a fantastic point away from home.”
He felt his men were not “anywhere near” the level he wanted during the first half but added: “Second half we were much better and posed a threat on the counter.”
Martindale complemented his back four and the goalkeeper and said that his men will improve as the season moves on. He added: “We have good team spirit.”
Arguably, Livingston’s best chance fell to Aussie-born striker, Teti Yengi, (pictured by Nigel Duncan) but he headed into the arms of the Aberdeen goalkeeper from close range.
Jimmy Thelin, Aberdeen’s manager, was frustrated as his men failed to convert a number of chances. Thelin added: “It is still not there, we still have things to work on.”
The home fans in the 17,000 crowd voiced their displeasure as the Pittodrie side prop up the 12-strong table with one point from four games. No wonder, they men from the Granite City have only won five Premiership games in 31 since November last year.
Livingston travelled home with five points secured so far and sitting in seventh spot in the table.
