Danny Wilson rose at the back post in the final minute of regular time to net a much-needed equaliser as battling Livingston salvaged a precious point at Falkirk.
David Martindale’s injury-hit side earned a point in a 2-2 draw with Hibs at The Home of the Set Fare Arena last weekend and, on this occasion, stand-in skipper Wilson did it again, beating Scotland call-up goalkeeper, Scott Bain from a Graham Carey free-kick.
The point is welcome, but it still leaves the West Lothian side anchored at the foot of the 12-strong William Hill Premiership with eight points from 12 fixtures, while Falkirk, who won the Championship last season, edging Livingston after a tense campaign, moved temporarily into third position until Hibs beat St Mirren 3-0 in Paisley. They have played 12 games and earned 16 points.
Pre-match, Martindale, who has set a target of remaining in Scotland’s top league at the end of the season, eyed a win double over the Central Scotland side after a 3-1 success in West Lothian in early August, a victory set up by two first-half goals.
It was Falkirk who broke the deadlock on this occasion, 37-year-old, ex-Morton striker, Brian Graham put The Bairns ahead after 16 minutes from the penalty spot at the Falkirk Stadium to the delight of most of the 7,176 fans.
The award was given after the video assistant referee (VAR) indicated that Livingston forward Stevie May had allowed the ball to touch his hand when the visitors were defending a corner.
Falkirk were, however, unable to build on that breakthrough despite 19-year-old midfielder Ethan Williams, on loan from Manchester United, and highly-rated 20-year-old Kyrell Wilson, a loanee from EFL Championship side, Swansea City, prominent during the opening session.
John McGlynn’s men were unable to turn their possession into chances and Livingston goalkeeper, Jerome Prior, was rarely threatened.
Falkirk, with three wins in four games ahead of kick-off, were able to keep Martindale’s men at distance, but a cutting edge was desperately needed from both sides.
Post-match, Martindale felt that the penalty awarded against his men was “harsh” and added that Livi deserved a point. He told BBC Scotland Sport: “Come the end of the season, that could be a big point.”
McGlynn felt his team were better first half with Livingston the better side in the second period. He added: “A draw is a fair result. Livingston are a decent team.”
HEAD MAN: Danny Wilson meets the media. Picture Nigel Duncan
