Ten-man Ayr United dug deep to snatch a 2-1 victory at Livingston with Owen Stirton one of the heroes with the opening goal and an assist on the game-winner.
He put the visitors ahead after nine minutes after being fed by Ross Taylor and he turned from scorer to provider to set-up Luke McBeth for the winner after 36 minutes, a goal which stunned home fans in the crowd of 1,864 at the Home of the Set Fare Arena.
Robbie Muirhead claimed Livingston’s consolation goal with 19 minutes on the clock, netting from a penalty.
Livingston, however, will rue the fact that they had 55 per cent of the possession with Ayr only recording 45 per cent and were awarded ten corners. Ayr had none.
The home side at 24 shots, four on target, against two in reply and Ayr’s goalkeeper made three saved during the 90-plus minutes in a game which saw 27 fouls, 14 from the home side and 13 from Ayr managed by former Hearts player, Gary Naysmith.
Six yellow cards were dished out and Taylor was red carded after 22 minutes, leaving Ayr with a lengthy period minus a player, but they held out.
The Ayrshire side are sixth in the ten-strong table with 11 points from nine games, three wins and two draws and four losses. Livingston are fourth with 13 points from their nine fixtures, four wins and a draw plus four defeats.
The Almondvale club, who have targeted a quick return to the William Hill Premiership, are nine points adrift of shock pace-setters, Stenhousemuir, bossed by former Livi head coach, Marvin Bartley.
