Livingston FC lost 2-1 to Partick Thistle in the Championship on Saturday, a result that leaves them nine points behind leaders Stenhousemuir. Tony Watt scored the decisive goal for the visitors just two minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Bradly Van Hoeven had equalised for Livingston late in the first half, cancelling out Paddy Reading's opener for Thistle. The defeat is Livingston's second consecutive loss, following a 2-1 reverse against Ayr United the previous weekend. They now sit fourth in the Championship table with 13 points from 10 games.
Early setback and equaliser
Livingston suffered an early blow when Cristian Montaño was forced off with an injury after just nine minutes. Jack Wilkie replaced him. Partick Thistle took the lead in the 17th minute. Ben McPherson burst down the right and found Seb Drozd, whose cross was volleyed home by Paddy Reading.
The home side responded before the break. In the 44th minute, a cross from Tyrese Sinclair found Jack Wilkie, whose low drive was turned in by Bradly Van Hoeven. That sent the teams in level at half-time.
Watt's instant impact
The game turned shortly after the hour mark. Partick Thistle introduced Tony Watt for Alex Samuel in the 60th minute. Within 60 seconds, a shot from Paddy Reading deflected off Watt's leg and past goalkeeper Jerome Prior. Livingston manager David Martindale said the timing of the goal was a critical moment.
Livingston pushed for another equaliser. Bruce Anderson was booked for simulation five minutes after the restart. Lewis Budinauckas, in the Thistle goal, smothered a dangerous cross from Jordan Doherty with 16 minutes remaining. In stoppage time, Ethan Ingram cleared another dangerous Doherty cross to secure the points for the visitors.
Context and next steps
The result means Livingston have now lost their last two league matches. Their recent form reads two wins, one draw, and two losses from their last five outings. The club's next fixture is a trip to face Dunfermline Athletic on Saturday, 17 October. Dunfermline currently sit sixth in the Championship. Check the upcoming fixtures for all the details on that match and the rest of the schedule. Livingston will also be hoping for positive news on the injury front, with Oisin Smyth missing this game and Liam McFarlane absent due to a knock picked up on international duty. The latest squad availability is listed on our injuries page.
More detail at ptfc.co.uk
