Livingston FC were held to a goalless draw by Dunfermline Athletic on Saturday, a result that leaves them fifth in the Championship. Neil Lennon's side failed to convert several good chances at East End Park, with the woodwork and solid goalkeeping denying them a key win.
Key moments and chances
Both sides hit the post in a match of missed opportunities. Josh Cooper struck the upright for Livingston after being played through by Olamileken Adams. At the other end, Robbie Fraser did the same for the hosts. Livingston also had shouts for a penalty when Nurudeen Abdulai fell into Scott Pitman, but referee Chris Graham waved play on. Adams had a shot saved by Jerome Prior, while Dylan Lobban saw an effort blocked. Dunfermline's best opening fell to Joe Chalmers, whose low drive was well saved by Livingston goalkeeper Jack Hamilton. The hosts also saw a late header from substitute Oli Shaw cleared off the line by a defender.
Discipline and changes
The visitors picked up four yellow cards, with Danso and van Hoeven booked in the first half. Lennon made a triple substitution, introducing Tyrese Sinclair, Bruce Anderson and Denholm. Dunfermline made six changes in search of a winner, bringing on Oli Shaw and Kian Corbally among others. Sinclair was later cautioned for a foul on Keith Bray.
Manager reaction and league context
Manager Neil Lennon expressed his ongoing frustration after the match. "I’m just dead frustrated and I’ve been feeling like this for the last four or five weeks," Lennon said. The draw means Livingston have taken just five points from their last five matches, a run that includes defeats to Partick Thistle and Ayr United. They remain on 14 points from 11 games, nine points behind leaders Stenhousemuir.
Looking ahead
The point keeps Livingston in the promotion hunt, but they have now played two more games than Raith Rovers above them. Their next match is at home to Arbroath on Saturday. Arbroath, who are currently eighth, beat Livingston 1-0 when the sides last met in August. Dunfermline, who moved up to seventh with the point, face a trip to second-placed Dundee United next weekend.
