The clash between Livingston and Ross County in Dingwall on Monday ended with a dramatic goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time, giving a much-needed boost to the struggling Premiership team before the play-off final, second-leg. Livingston defender Danny Wilson was the hero of the match, breaking the deadlock at the Set Fare Arena in the first half injury time. He scored by firing the ball home from close range after The Staggies failed to clear the ball, with the help of substitute Jordan White, who was spotted tugging his jersey.
The video assistant referee, Andrew Dallas, alerted match referee John Beaton about the incident, leading to a penalty being awarded after a lengthy delay. Tempers flared after the goal, with County’s chief executive, Steven Ferguson, claiming that a fan spat in the face of one of the club’s staff members. Livingston manager, David Martindale, expressed disappointment over the missed chances during the game that could have put his team in a more comfortable position. Now, they face a tough challenge in The Highlands as they aim to secure a spot back in the William Hill Premiership at the first attempt.
Robbie Muirhead missed two crucial opportunities to score, and Livingston felt hard done by when Lewis Smith was booked for diving instead of being awarded a penalty after appearing to be tripped in the box. VAR briefly reviewed the incident before play resumed. Martindale criticized his team for not capitalizing on their chances and highlighted the lack of quality in the final third. He emphasized the need for his squad to be more careful with the ball in Dingwall. On the other side, Ross County manager, Don Cowie, acknowledged his team’s efforts but felt that they did not provide enough service to Hale. He commended Livingston for their strong performance, stating, “They pushed us, and they are a very good team.”
The match ended in a touchline fracas at the Set Fare Arena, with Nigel Duncan capturing the intense moment. Despite the heated exchange, both teams are gearing up for the crucial second-leg encounter. Livingston will be looking to maintain their momentum and secure a spot back in the Premiership, while Ross County will be aiming to turn the tide in their favor. The stage is set for an exciting battle in the Highlands as both teams vie for victory in the play-off final. Stay tuned for more thrilling action and unexpected twists in this nail-biting encounter.
