Livingston FC secured second place in the Scottish Championship with a convincing 4-0 win over Ayr United, dealing a significant blow to fellow promotion-chasers Falkirk’s title hopes. According to the BBC, the victory ensures Falkirk will have to wait to try and seal the title.
The match was a decisive one for Livingston, with manager David Martindale’s side needing to win to deny Falkirk the chance to claim the league title and promotion on Saturday. As the BBC reports, Livingston dominated the game, particularly in the first half, with Stephen Kelly’s deflected strike on six minutes giving them the lead.
Kelly’s goal was followed by Robbie Muirhead’s penalty after goalkeeper Harry Stone fouled Cristian Montano, putting Livingston firmly in control. Kelly then drilled in his second and Livingston’s third before the break, effectively sealing an important three points. As the BBC notes, Cristian Montano rolled in the fourth goal late on, capping a dominant performance.
The win also has significant implications for the play-off picture, with Livingston now knowing they will play one fewer round if they end up in the play-offs. As the BBC reports, Falkirk’s title rivals, will have to wait to try and seal the title, with Livingston poised to take advantage if they slip up.
In reaction to the win, Livingston manager David Martindale told the BBC: “I thought first half was a really good performance and we scored really good goals. Second half, we managed the game and hit them on the counter. You don’t read too much into it. It’s a good performance and three points, but we’ve still got a lot to do. If Falkirk stumble, they stumble, but it’s Falkirk’s to lose.”
The result also secured third spot for Ayr United, who will face either Partick Thistle, Raith Rovers or outsiders Morton over two legs in the play-off quarter finals. As the BBC notes, Livingston’s victory has significant implications for the Scottish Championship title race, with Falkirk needing to defeat Raith Rovers on Saturday to keep their title hopes alive.
Falkirk’s task has been made more difficult by Livingston’s win, with John McGlynn’s side needing to overcome a six-point deficit to Livingston, and a goal difference advantage of at least 15, to claim the title. As the BBC reports, Livingston’s victory has set up a thrilling conclusion to the Scottish Championship season, with the title and promotion still up for grabs.
Scott Brown’s Ayr United side will finish third in the league, and will face a tough play-off quarter-final tie against one of Partick Thistle, Raith Rovers or Morton. As the BBC notes, the play-off picture is now clearer, with Livingston’s win securing their second spot and setting up a potentially lucrative play-off run.
The Scottish Championship title race is set to go down to the wire, with Falkirk and Livingston locked in a battle for supremacy. As the BBC reports, Livingston’s win has added a new layer of complexity to the title picture, with Falkirk needing to respond to keep their title hopes alive.
This latest result and reaction has been sourced directly from the BBC.
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