Penalty cancels out rapid McMullan opener to see Lions escape with a point
With St Mirren out of action at the weekend due to the international break, we’ve looked back on an exciting clash between the Buddies and Livingston at the SMiSA Stadium back in August, 2015. The pair will face off in Paisley again this Saturday as the race for a top-six finish heats up – with the Lions currently sitting just one point ahead of Stephen Robinson’s Saints in sixth spot.
St Mirren were for the second time in five days left frustrated by Livingston whose physical approach denied Saints a first league win of the season.
After the previous Tuesday night’s bruising League Cup defeat, this was another game full of strong challenges and again not without controversy.
Saints boss Ian Murray started with new signings Andy Webster and on-loan Aberdeen attacker Lawrence Shankland.
The Buddies made the perfect start on four minutes when Paul McMullan ran onto Shankland’s pass before keeping his composure to place the ball home.
It was a neat move and a great left-footed finish and display of coolness under pressure from the 19-year-old on-loan Celtic attacker.
Livingston went close when Craig Sives, who was up from the back, headed narrowly wide of Jamie Langfield’s post.
In the 12th minute, the West Lothian side’s Bulgarian midfielder Spas Georgiev got himself into space but blasted over from 18 yards.
At the other end, Scott Agnew sent in a
20th minute cross and Webster rose above the Livingston defence, but Darren Jamieson saved.
In the early stages, Shankland experienced a couple of rugged challenges, with Livingston defender Sives man-marking him.
Just like in last week’s cup tie, Livingston employed tactics involving tough challenges and disruption of play to stop Saints getting into any rhythm.
Saints saw their great start evaporate when Jack Baird caught Marcus Hippolyte on the right of the box, while trying to make a clearance.
Liam Buchanan sent Jamie Langfield the wrong way from the spot to level the game up at 1-1 after 22 minutes.
In 29 minutes, Hippolyte incurred the wrath of the St Mirren Park crowd when he went down like a ton of bricks, claiming McMullan had caught him.
It did not appear that McMullan had made any contact, yet the 20-year-old former Brentford striker dropped down holding his face.
The big striker was soon back up again and proved to be a danger, with Webster getting in a vital block on his 18-yard shot.
Hippolyte again showed what a handful he can be when he rifled in a ball that Langfield dived to save well.
Some fancy footwork from Shankland just before the break deserved a goal but he hit the left post with a fierce left-foot shot.
It was hard luck on the debutant after he had turned at pace onto Stephen Mallan’s pass and the keeper had been beaten.
McMullan teed up Jim Goodwin early in the second half but the Irishman sent his 22-yard shot over the bar.
Some of the Buddies fans made it clear they thought it was wrong to sub Goodwin, as he was replaced by Lewis Morgan on 70 minutes.
Boss Murray sent on subs Steven Thompson and Alan Gow as he urged his side to push on for a late winner.
St Mirren finished the stronger side, as Livingston appeared content to take a 1-1 draw for their first point of the season.
There were a few goalmouth scrambles and a couple of close opportunities, with Gow and Webster both having late attempts.
But there was also a late scare for Saints, with Jordan White sending his shot wide of Langfield’s goal from a great position.
Speaking after the match, Webster said: “It was good to get back playing and be involved again, although I’m just disappointed we didn’t get the right result.
“There wasn’t an awful lot in terms of goal action and the general feeling is one of disappointment.
“I haven’t played since the tail-end of last season, when I was at Coventry, but I generally keep myself fit.
“Mind you, anyone will tell you that playing competitive matches is very different from training.
“But it was just good to get 90 minutes under my belt and I will improve as the weeks go on.
“I think this will be a good move for me. It’s also good to get back up the road.”