Livingston mount comeback to earn draw against 10-player Kilmarnock

George Stanger’s second-half red card proved pivotal as 10-man Kilmarnock let a
two-goal lead slip to draw 2-2 with newly-promoted Livingston in a dramatic
opening match of the new Premiership campaign.

In the only 3pm kick-off of the season’s first day, new-look Killie looked on course for victory after strikes from Djenairo Daniels and David Watson in the closing stages of the first half.

But a 64th-minute flashpoint brought Livi right back into the match as Stanger, who joined from local rivals Ayr this summer, was sent off for the hosts for denying a goal-scoring opportunity and Robbie Muirhead scored the resulting penalty.

The visitors capitalised on their extra-man advantage as Scott Pittman equalised in the 86th minute.

Killie boss Stuart Kettlewell, taking charge of his first league game since being appointed in May, included six summer signings in his starting line-up, including former Livi pair Max Stryjek and Jamie Brandon.

Ex-Motherwell left-back Dominic Thompson, who signed on the morning of the match, was named among the subs and came on for his debut shortly before the visitors’ leveller.

Livi had a more familiar look, with just three recent recruits – Adam Montgomery, Mo Sylla and Graham Carey – in David Martindale’s XI.

Kilmarnock's Djenairo Daniels scores to make it 1-0 vs Livingston
Image:
Kilmarnock’s Djenairo Daniels scores to make it 1-0 vs Livingston

With few clear chances for either side in the opening exchanges, Killie made the breakthrough in the 38th minute.

Daniels, who joined from Cork this summer, ran on to a through ball from Liam Polworth and held off Danny Wilson before blasting beyond the exposed Jerome Prior from just inside the box.

The celebrations were instantly cut short by an offside flag, but the on-field decision was overturned and the goal allowed to stand following a lengthy VAR check.

Having looked comfortable for much of the match, the Lions suddenly found themselves two down in the 42nd minute.

Brandon got in behind Montgomery on the right and drilled in a low cross that was pushed out by goalkeeper Prior only as far as Watson, who turned home the loose ball from six yards out.

David Watson doubled Kilmarnock's lead against Livingston
Image:
David Watson doubled Kilmarnock’s lead against Livingston

The Lions emerged with renewed purpose for the start of the second half and got themselves right back in the game shortly after the hour.

Muirhead’s shirt was pulled in the box by Stanger as he tried to get a shot away and after referee Matthew MacDermid, who had initially waved play on, was asked to view the pitchside monitor, he flashed a red card at the Killie player and awarded a penalty. Muirhead fired his spot-kick emphatically past Stryjek.

Livi’s tails were up and they eventually levelled when Pittman rasped home from 10 yards out after good work by Lewis Smith on the right to set him up.

Robbie Muirhead's penalty pulled a goal back for Livingston
Image:
Robbie Muirhead’s penalty pulled a goal back for Livingston

What’s coming up in the Scottish Premiership?

Related Posts

Matt Chapman: Racing League victory ‘would mean the world’

Matt Chapman’s London and The South are on the brink of a first Racing League title as they head to Southwell for the final week of the competition this Thursday….

Read more

Introducing… The Sky Sports WSL YouTube channel!

Sky Sports has launched its official WSL YouTube channel – your go-to destination for all things women’s football. From match highlights and exclusive content to live games and behind-the-scenes action, this is…

Read more

Neville sends Sesko warning as Amorim ponders cup changes vs Grimsby

Benjamin Sesko could be handed his first start at Manchester United after head coach Ruben Amorim admitted he will rotate against Grimsby in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, live on…

Read more

Today on Sky Sports Racing: Dickens chases three-timer at Hexham

Hexham is our sole venue for domestic action on Wednesday and we have Grade One action from Saratoga, live on Sky Sports Racing… 5.45 Hexham – Dickens looks to complete…

Read more

Davis wrong to box Paul? ‘No fighter would turn it down’

The boxing world is coming to terms with Gervonta Davis boxing Jake Paul in an exhibition later this year. Paul entered professional boxing with a vast following on social media….

Read more

Gauff joins Osaka, Swiatek and defending champion Sinner in next round at US Open

Coco Gauff joined a sparkling Naomi Osaka, rampant Iga Swiatek and defending champion Jannik Sinner in next round of the US Open on Tuesday. Gauff, who was playing her first…

Read more

Leave a Reply