Livingston 1-0 St Mirren: Precious win for Scottish Premiership's bottom club
- Published
Livingston revived their hopes of avoiding relegation by beating St Mirren for their first Scottish Premiership win since October to move to within three points of Ross County.
Goalkeeper Shamal George was the hero for David Martindale's side when he denied Mikael Mandron from the spot late on in the second half.
That meant Tete Yengi's late first-half strike separated the sides at full time, the striker firing home after Ayo Obileye's initial strike was parried by Zach Hemming to ultimately give them a first win in 17 games.
The result means Livingston are now three points from a relegation play-off place, and eight points from guaranteed safety, but St Mirren's top-four hopes were dented.
Despite St Mirren's early dominance, Livingston managed to conjure up some decent chances and grew into the game.
Alex Gogic was called into action to close down Yengi and force his shot into the side netting. Jamie Brandon then attempted a strike from the edge of the box that was comfortably saved by Zach Hemming.
Caolan Boyd-Munce had another go from distance in the closing stages of the first half but his low effort edged wide of the post.
Livingston eventually got the breakthrough in stoppage time and it came from a Hemming mistake.
Obileye's initial shot was saved by Hemming but he pushed it right into the path of Yengi, who rifled the ball into the back of the net.
St Mirren were on the front foot for the majority of the second half and looked to have the breakthrough after a VAR review of David Carson's challenge on Toyosi Olusanya in the Livingston box.
Referee Euan Anderson was sent to the monitor and gave the spot kick but George thwarted Mandron to keep his side in front.
Livingston then looked to have the perfect opportunity to double their lead when Stephen Kelly attempted a strike from 40 yards out after Hemming scuffed a free-kick. Luckily for the keeper, Kelly's effort flashed wide of a post.
St Mirren had a chance to equalise late on when Mandron got on the end of a cross but tapped it wide. He had another opportunity moments later, but dragged his shot from the centre of the box wide of the other post.
Player of the match - Shamal George (Livingston)
A clean sheet and a pivotal penalty save from Shamal George in the Livingston goal, you can't ask for much more from your keeper.
Win could prove pivotal in relegation fight - analysis
After 17 long games, Livingston finally end their winless streak.
There has been a lot of chatter surrounding David Martindale's side's top-flight future and this victory could be a huge moment as they attempt to avoid relegation.
Coming off the back of that late win against Partick Thistle in the Scottish Cup last week, this could be exactly what Livingston need to kick on.
Tete Yengi took his chance for the home side when it mattered most and he and his team showed the attitude required to see out the win.
Despite a couple of late scares, Livi didn't crumble under pressure and now have a flicker of hope that their time in the Scottish Premiership is not over yet.
What's next?
Livingston have another huge test next weekend when they travel to face fellow strugglers County on Saturday (15:00 GMT), while St Mirren are at home to St Johnstone at the same time.