Livingston 2 - Clyde 1: Livingston reach next round

MARK Burchill offered a different view on giant-killing as his Livingston side successfully began their defence of the Petrofac Cup.

Myles Hippolyte scored from distance. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

He is not suggesting that defeating League Two Clyde is a mammoth achievement – it was simply the physique of Barry Ferguson’s team.

Clyde were not all brawn, however, and made it competitive in the second half with a goal just before half-time after Livi had taken a two-goal lead, but the holders were worthy of their win.

Burchill said: “They are probably the biggest team in Europe if you look at the size of them – they’re absolute giants!

“We knew they would be a danger at set plays and I was disappointed we lost a goal from a corner.

“However, we started well and got the job done. We scored two good goals but we should have created more chances in the second half. The main thing is we are through.”

Danny Mullen has proved before that he can shoot with power and Clyde learned the hard way with barely four minutes played.

Mullen was unchallenged as he raced towards the Clyde box and promptly hammered a 30-yard shot high past John Gibbon.

Myles Hippolyte was equally effective from distance 17 minutes later when he thumped a terrific, low left-foot shot past Gibbon from outside the box.

Clyde looked to be in real trouble as Livi dominated possession and looked to get the tie killed off early.

However, they dug in, started to cause one or two problems of their own, and grabbed a goal back 11 minutes before half-time.

Livi failed to defend Chris Mitchell’s corner from the right and centre back Michael Bolochoweckyj used his strength to power a header into the net.

In a dour second half, chances were at a premium, but Livingston always looked in control.

Ferguson said: “Once we got going we matched them, and I don’t think there was much between the teams in the second half.

“I have only had this group for four weeks, so it’s going to take time for things to gel.”

Lee Miller was a surprise appearance as a Livingston substitute but it was only as a favour to Burchill, who said: “We were short of bodies so I asked Lee if he would help us out, but I don’t think we will be taking that any further.”