Hamilton Academical 2-4 Livingston: Visitors end nine game wait for away win

Livingston consolidated fifth spot in the Scottish Premiership as they came from behind at Hamilton to secure a fourth consecutive victory.

Shaun Want fired second-bottom side Accies into the lead, but the visitors responded within a couple of minutes through a fine Craig Sibbald finish.

Aaron Taylor-Sinclair headed Livingston into a half-time lead only for debutant Sam Woods to head Hamilton level.

But a Stevie Lawless penalty and Scott Pittman finish secured Livi's win.

The West Lothian side's first win in five meetings with Hamilton ended a run of nine away games without a victory for Gary Holt's side and leaves their hosts four points ahead of bottom side Hearts having played a game more.

• Reaction & as it happened

Mixed fortunes for debutant Woods

It was to be a game full of significant signings, debuts, team changes and omissions.

Hamilton manager Brian Rice, in the headlines earlier in midweek after admitting to breaking Scottish FA betting rules, was forced into a hard choice in defence, with centre-half Woods being handed a start days after arriving from Crystal Palace on loan with captain Brian Easton missing out through injury.

However, it was two of Rice's other three changes that paid dividends as Accies took the lead after a fairly cagey start by both sides.

Marios Ogkmpoe, who had replaced the injured George Oakley up front, broke into the penalty box with Livingston claiming for offside and, when the Greek striker cut the ball into the path of Want, the defender slotted home from 15 yards.

Rice's side had looked good for a win for two thirds of their midweek game away to Hibernian, but this time their opponents were level within two minutes.

On-loan Cardiff City defender Ciaron Brown's long throw was headed clear by Scott McMann, but it fell straight to Sibbald, who marked his return to the starting line-up after signing a new contract with a sublime half volley.

Livingston edged ahead before the break as Jack McMillan jinked past Will Collar and his cross to the back post found the head of unmarked Taylor-Sinclair, who had started in place of the injured Steve Lawson, two yards out.

Accies were back in the game when goalkeeper Robby McCrorie, signed in midweek on loan from Rangers, could only slap a Markus Fjortoft header off the line and Woods marked his debut with a goal that would have been some consolation for the centre-half and watching Palace academy coach Mark Bright despite the eventual scoreline.

The decisive moment came when referee Bobby Madden pointed to the spot having seen a hand ball in a crowded goalmouth and Lawless beat goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams with the resulting penalty.

Livingston secured the three points when Lyndon Dykes cut the ball back from the by-line for Scott Pittman to finish into the far corner.

There was still time for French winger Aymen Souda, who had started the game after manager Holt rested players because of a hectic schedule, to spoil his personal good performance with a booking for angrily thumping a spare ball on his way to the dressing-room.

Man of the match - Marvin Bartley (Livingston)

BBC Scotland commentator John Barnes at Fountain of Youth Stadium

The Livingston midfield was key to this victory and Craig Sibbald and Scott Pittman were strong contenders to be man of the match with impressive performances as well.

But captain Marvin Bartley was the guiding light in the central area, breaking-up play, protecting his central defenders and turning defence into attack.

That allowed Sibbald and Pittman to advance and provide support to Livi's forward players and chip in with goals as well.

Livingston 'hungrier and more aggressive'

Hamilton Academical head coach Brian Rice: "It was very difficult for us as we've got five first-team regulars missing from the team, we were down to the bare bones and I didn't have a defender on the bench.

"There's no doubt Livingston deserved to win. They were hungrier and more aggressive. I've got no complaints about the penalty. Bobby Madden is one of the best referees in the country, he has seen a hand ball and given a decision he thinks is correct."

Livingston manager Gary Holt: "The resilience to going a goal down even though we started the game well and go ahead then score two goals after they drew level again, I've got to take my hat off to their level of commitment and sticking to the game plan and what we're good at.

"We got the result the performance deserved and hopefully that will kick us on for the rest of the season."