Livingston stay top by keeping it nice and simple

Published on Sunday 22 November 2009 23:17

LIVINGSTON remain top of the table following a 2-1 win over Queen's Park at Hampden with Almondvale manager Gary Bollan emphasising that keeping things simple is the way to success.

Bollan was referring to his side's opening goal, which came a minute into the second-half from a move that started when a Barry Douglas cross from a Queen's Park corner was cleared.

Liam Fox, Keaghan Jacobs and Robbie Winters all combined with simple passes along the ground for a total of 60 yards before Winters released Jacobs and he finished in fine style past Peter Hamilton from 16 yards.

"It was simple football but very effective," said Bollan. "We put together four passes and then a great finish and we have told the boys that, if you keep things simple, good things will happen. We reminded them of that at half-time so it was great to see it in action."

On-loan St Mirren striker Paul Quinn equalised 15 minutes later, but Ewan Moyes, on loan from Hibs, won it for Livingston with a close-range shot that squirmed over the line in 65 minutes.

East Stirling won at Stranraer for the first time in 17 years to move into second place, Andy Rodgers and Jamie Stevenson shooting Jim McInally's side into a two-goal first-half lead before the Blues pulled one back through Paul McInnes in 57 minutes.

"We were excellent in the first-half and played really well," said McInally. "Keith Knox fired up his side for the second period and they came back at us well but we dug deep when required for the win."

Forfar sneaked back into a play-off spot with a 2-0 win at Elgin City with a first half Martyn Fotheringham goal added to in the second half by Chris Templeman's header to win the match for Dick Campbell's men.

Campbell dropped his son, Ross, the club's top scorer, to the bench as he was suffering from a knock, and the manager was delighted the win was secured without his services. "Ross needed a rest and I am delighted that I needed only to give the top scorer in Britain a last run-out with the game won," he said.

Elgin have still to taste victory at home this season and manager Ross Jack admitted: "Heads are down and everyone is disappointed about how we have performed. The effort was there but we cannot seem to win at home."

Albion Rovers failed to win for the fourth game in a row as they were held 0-0 at home by Annan Athletic and the lack of a cutting edge is beginning to spoil their fine start to the season.

The Montrose and Berwick game was postponed after a fatal accident on the A90 south of Dundee disrupted travel. Both sides are looking for the game to be played a week on Tuesday.