Livingston FC pulled off a stunning 3-1 win over Falkirk in a pulsating Scottish Challenge Cup tie at the Tony Macaroni Arena. The home team displayed remarkable skill and determination, highlighted by a spectacular strike from Lewis Smith, which contributed to the team’s solid performance.
The matchup started with both teams showing their elite skills, but it was Livingston FC that set the pace from the jump. Lewis Smith then gave the Premiership side the lead with a superb strike from distance to put Livingston FC up 1-0. His goal was the combination of power and precision that would set the tone for the rest of the game.
Livingston FC took advantage of that opportunity in the second half, scoring a penalty in the 55th minute. This was right after a clear foul outside the box. However, Falkirk’s goalkeeper, Bain, made a crucial save, blocking Muirhead’s spot-kick and keeping Falkirk in the game. Even after this tough break, Livingston stayed on the attack and soon after found themselves back in business.
Smith doubled the lead just two minutes later, finishing his second goal of the game to make it 2-0. Falkirk, though, came roaring back with a vengeance. Ross MacIver then scored for the visitors, making it a 2-1 game. Livingston FC took up the challenge with alacrity! Jeremy Bokila earned the victory by scoring the clinching third goal in the 88th minute, for the final score of 3-1.
Injuries marred the match for both teams. Falkirk’s Ethan Ross was forced off with an injury which allowed Alfredo Agyeman to come on. Likewise, Livingston FC’s Graham Carey had to exit with an injury, with Sylla replacing him. Falkirk’s Danny Wilson was forced to leave the match in just the 14th minute. Shane Blaney was able to quickly move across to Spain to replace him.
Livingston FC entered the match with two changes. They subbed in Pa MacIver and Aidan Nesbitt for Scott Arfield and Brian Graham. On several occasions during the game, Falkirk’s Dylan Tait was a danger with two close running headers. Falkirk came close to equalising when MacIver had a close-range header saved by Livingston goalkeeper Jerome Prior.
Muirhead was unlucky not to have given Livingston a third, rattling a 20-yard effort that thundered the crossbar. For all of Falkirk’s resilience they couldn’t produce that elusive equalizer and eventually Livingston’s power and pace overwhelmed them.
Leave a Reply