Cadden strike strengthens Lions’ grip on second spot

MORTON LIVINGSTON

Cadden 47

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Nicky Cadden’s fine strike gave Livingston victory and moved them eight points clear of third-placed Morton at chilly Cappielow.

Livingston were the first to have a real sight of goal after six minutes when Ton keeper Derek Gaston fumbled a Cadden cross to Ryan Hardie, but the on-loan Rangers man had his shot turned behind for a corner.

The visitors had the ball in the net from the resulting corner when Gaston punched the ball into his own net but the goal was ruled out for a push on the keeper by Lee Miller.

David Hopkin’s side had another chance after 21 minutes when Hardie found space in the box once again but he misjudged his header and sent the ball harmlessly wide.

Morton were gifted a chance to go in front in the 28th minute when John Baird, on his debut for the Greenock side, intercepted Shaun Byrne’s back-pass.

The striker sprinted towards goal before picking out the run of overlapping wide man Mark Russell whose first-time shot from the edge of the area clipped the outside of the post on its way out.

Morton soon created another opportunity, this time it was on the opposite side of the park as right-back Michael Doyle saw his powerful shot beaten away well by Neil Alexander in the Livi goal.

The home side were made to rue these missed chances on the restart when Livingston went ahead through a left-footed 20-yard shot from Cadden, pictured, which soared into the top corner.

Cadden might have doubled his team’s lead within a minute but this time Gaston made the save as the home keeper did with another effort from Scott Pittman.

The Lions had their tails up and Hardie was next to have a go with a shot which was blocked in a crowded home box.

A further effort from Cadden brought more action for Gaston who made a comfortable save as Livingston pushed for the goal that would make the points safe.

Morton, meanwhile, were struggling to offer any hope of an equaliser for their shiveringsupportersand,despite a late attacking flurry, there was no way back. Sky Sports Main Event, 7:30pm Premiership action from Fir Park. BT Sport 2, 7:15pm FA Cup fifth-round replay. Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Cricket, 6am Second one-day international. Eurosport 1, from 10am Live coverage from Cardiff.