Bollan keeps table-topping Livi grounded

Published on Monday 2 November 2009 08:56

LIVINGSTON have risen to the top of the Third Division but manager Gary Bollan is not getting carried away, insisting: "We may well be top now but there is an awful long way to go yet."

Goals from Raffaele De Vita, Andrew Halliday and Marc McNulty gave a 3-0 victory over bottom club Montrose an accomplished look – however, in reality it was never easy with all the goals coming in the second half after both sides had been reduced to ten men in the first 45 minutes.

Livi's on-loan Hearts full back Jonny Brown was first for an early bath, dismissed for a foul on John Gemmell after just 22 minutes. Bollan re-organised before Montrose's Sean Anderson was sent off after an altercation with Andrew Halliday 13 minutes later.

Italian striker De Vita opened the scoring in 53 minutes, his third goal in two games.

Halliday, who was getting stick from the home supporters following his involvement in Anderson's dismissal, had the perfect answer, netting ten minutes from time and substitute McNulty scored with his first touch to give the result some gloss.

Bollan was pleased for youngster Halliday, saying, "Andrew managed to rise above what was being shouted and got his reward with the second goal."

Montrose manager Steven Tweed said: "The final score flattered Livingston and at 1-0 down we were always in with a shout."

The Lions lead the division by two points over Berwick Rangers who jumped over Albion Rovers into second place after beating the Coatbridge side 2-0 thanks to goals from Paul Currie and former Hibs striker Damon Gray, who scored a penalty after being fouled.

Meanwhile the game between Livingston and an East of Scotland under-23 select side, which was due to take place at Almondvale tonight, has been postponed. As yet, no new date has been set.