Livingston grind out point in drab draw with Kilmarnock
Posted Sunday, August 12, 2018 by PA
Livingston collected their first top-flight point in 12 years after battling to a share of the spoils in a goalless draw with Kilmarnock.
In a game of few chances the Ladbrokes Premiership newcomers, who lost out to Celtic last weekend, looked lively in the first half and went close when Steven Lawless had a shot saved by goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald.
Kilmarnock winger Chris Burke saw an effort come back off a post in the first half.
The second half deteriorated into a midfield battle, with both teams lacking the ingenuity to create any meaningful openings.
The game was not even 30 seconds old when Kilmarnock defender Kirk Broadfoot was cautioned for a blatant check on Lee Miller as the veteran striker attempted to challenge for a header outside the area.
The hosts made an encouraging start on their new artificial surface and registered the first shot on target after 11 minutes.
Scott Robsinon teed up Lawless from distance to the left of the area and the former Partick Thistle forward’s low drive to the near post was turned behind by MacDonald.
Egli Kaja then got into a promising position goalside of Scott Boyd but was brought down just outside the area, earning the defender a booking.
The visitors were denied the opening goal in the 29th minute by a post. Jordan Jones darted into the box from Greg Taylor’s throw and found Burke at the back post, but the winger’s attempt came back off the upright.
The hosts continued to press and MacDonald was twice called upon to save comfortable shots from both Robinson and Kaja.
At the other end, Kilmarnock midfielder Alan Power had a sight of goal from 20 yards, but his fierce left-footed drive drifted wide.
The start of the second half followed a similar pattern, with plenty of endeavour from both teams but a dearth of quality in the final third.
Both benches made changes just after the hour mark, with Nicky Cadden coming on for the home side and Iain Wilson replacing Mikael Ndjoli.
Kilmarnock injected some much needed excitement into the half in the 71st minute when Stephen O’Donnell had a shot repelled by Liam Kelly.
Burke squared a ball outside the area, but the right-back’s first time drive could not find a way past the former Rangers goalkeeper.
The Rugby Park side finished the game the stronger and substitute Wilson fired a shot over the bar from distance.
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