Graham Carey slotted high into the net past Hibs’ goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger two minutes into injury time from the penalty spot to salvage a welcome point for Livingston in a 2-2 draw in West Lothian last weekend.
The Lions prop up the table with seven points from 11 games, two behind fellow-strugglers Dundee and three adrift of St Mirren and Aberdeen, who have played a game less, and Kilmarnock who have also played 11 fixtures.
However, the men from The Home of the Set Fare Arena are still in touch as they bid to retain their place in Scotland’s top division. On Saturday (15.00) they face a crunch clash at high-flying Falkirk, the other side promoted after winning the Championship last term.
Livingston, you will recall, earned their position amongst the elite of Scottish football via the nerve-shredding play-offs against Ross County.
Falkirk are sitting pretty in fifth spot in the 12-strong William Hill Premiership with 15 points from 11 starts earned from four wins and three draws. The Bairns have scored 15 goals and shipped 20 while Livingston have only one win to their credit since their promotion.
That was a 3-1 success over John McGlynn’s men at The Home of the Set Fare Arena in Matchday 2 on August 9. Scott Pittman opened the scoring after 18 minutes and Lewis Smith added a second three minutes into first-half injury time.
Ross MacIver pulled one back after 74 minutes setting up a nervy final 16 minutes but Jeremy Bokila settled the issue with a third for the home side after 88 minutes.
David Martindale’s men have drawn four matches and also lost several in second-half injury time. They have netted 13 and lost 22.
Overall, FootyStats say that out of 31 previous meetings, Falkirk have won 11 matches and Livingston 12. Eight have been drawn, but The Bairns go into the game on a high following their 3-1 home victory over struggling Kilmarnock last weekend.
They flew out of the blocks and were 3-0 ahead before the break. Ethan Williams opened the scoring after seven minutes and MacIver added a second after 22. Calvin Miller collected No 3 after 38 minutes and Killie replied through Tyreece John-Jules with 69 minutes on the clock.
Falkirk have added to their squad with the introduction of former Dundee United defender Ryan Edwards who has joined on a deal until January to help cover for injuries to Hearts loan player, Lewis Neilson, Coll Donaldson and Tom Laing.
Edwards, aged 32, played over 100 games for the Tayside team but has spent the past two seasons in India making over 40 appearances for Super League side, Chennaiyin.
McGlynn described the 6ft 5in player as a no-nonsense centre-back who is also a threat in the opposition penalty box.
ON THE BALL: Graham Carey in the main stand at The Home of the Set Fare Arena. Picture by Nigel Duncan
