Livingston 1-1 Clyde

Published on Saturday 17 January 2009 18:33

IF LIVINGSTON entertain genuine title aspirations, victory in home matches such as these are necessary. Paul Hegarty, the Almondvale manager, was thus left cursing as his charges shipped two precious points despite enjoying greater dominance.

A debut goal for David Winters, handed an immediate start alongside fellow new recruit Danny Griffin, was rich reward for Livi's opening endeavours.

In atrocious conditions, the hosts adapted best from the outset with Anthony McParland seeing a free-kick tipped over by David Hutton and Leigh Griffiths nodding just too high.

Then Winters struck - with a hint of controversy. Griffiths appeared to handle as he collected the ball near half-way, but he was allowed to surge towards goal, playing in his new strike partner. Winters cut inside two defenders before burying under Hutton from six yards.

But the absence of injured centre-half and captain James McPake perhaps played its part in a costly concession to Clyde near half-time.

With the Bully Wee's first meaningful chance, Willie McLaren latched onto a reverse pass from Alan Trouten to flick neatly past Roddy McKenzie.

After Murray Davidson's long-ranger was brilliantly tipped onto the bar by Hutton, a frenetic finish ensued, with Clyde top scorer Pat Clarke denied point-black by McKenzie and the veteran keeper also keeping out McLaren with his legs.

Griffiths then struck the post off another superb Hutton stop, while Trouten's struck the upright late on.