Kilmarnock 1-0 Livingston: Three things we learned
By Laurie Finlayson
Livingston lose again as Kilmarnock grab late winner (Image: Getty Images)
Kilmarnock and Livingston played out a scrappy affair at Rugby Park, with Killie running out 1-0 winners, leaving the Lions six points adrift of 11th placed Ross County and chasing their first league win in 17 matches. Here are the key takeaways from the fixture dubbed “El Plástico” by supporters of both clubs:
It’s important to be able to win ugly
Watkins bagged the late winner for Kilmarnock (Image: Getty Images)
A good indicator of a strong team is if they can win while not playing at their best. Kilmarnock did just that against a toiling Livingston side.
David Martindale’s Livingston side were set up in a defensively-minded 5-4-1 formation, and Killie struggled to break them down. The Ayrshire side only managed two shots in the opening period, compared to Livingston’s six.
The only real moment of note from a turgid opening period was when Livingston winger Daniel McKay thought he put his side in front after 39 minutes, after rounding Killie goalkeeper Will Dennis to put the ball in the net. However, the on-loan Hibernian attacker was adjudged to have mistimed his run by the assistant referee. His decision was backed up by VAR, so it remained goalless at the break.
Derek McInnes made a couple of changes at the break: Matty Kennedy came on for Tom Davies and Liam Polworth played the second half in place of David Watson. The introduction of Northern Ireland international Kennedy meant that the home side had much more impetus in an attacking sense, but Killie still lacked fluency. The Kilmarnock manager turned to his bench again to introduce Kevin van Veen, Rory McKenzie and Fraser Murray to the fray. The former Motherwell striker linked well with Murray, and that’s what eventually led to Killie breaking the deadlock. After 88 minutes, Marley Watkins poked the ball home following an excellent knock-down from van Veen to break Livingston supporters’ hearts.
McInnes and the Kilmarnock faithful will not complain about the lacklustre performance if the win is key to securing a top-six finish, or perhaps even better, come the end of the season.
As for Livingston, it is looking like they are in an increasingly perilous position.
It’s a squad game for Killie
Winter transfer van Veen is an excellent squad edition (Image: Getty Images)
After a poor first half, McInnes had to turn to his bench at the break, which is uncharacteristic of the Killie boss.
Something needed to change quickly to avoid there being a Rugby Park upset. The introduction of Kennedy, Polworth, van Veen and Murray changed the game for the better. The Premiership’s bottom club couldn’t cope with their host’s strength in depth.
Livi’s days in the top flight look numbered
Livingston lose again in the top flight (image: Getty Image)
After 25 matches, Livingston are rooted to the bottom of the table with only 13 points from 13 matches. It will take something of a miracle for the Lions to retain their Premiership status. Their closest relegation rivals, Ross County, are six points ahead of Livingston in the relegation playoff spot with two games in hand.
Livingston and Kilmarnock will have a reprieve from league action this weekend with Martindale’s side travelling to face Partick Thistle, while Kilmarnock host Cove Rangers, both in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup.