Todorov to the rescue for careless Queen’s

A LAST-MINUTE Nikolay Todorov strike rescued a point for Queen of the South after they had blown a two-goal advantage for the second game in a row.

The Doonhamers appeared to be cruising through strikes from Joe Thomson and Lyndon Dykes.

However, Rafa De Vita threw the Lions a lifeline before goals from Craig Halkett and Ryan Hardie completed the turnaround.

Hardie had another effort controversially ruled out for offside just before Todorov’s last-ditch effort ensured a share of the spoils.

Livingston boss David Hopkin was far from amused at the offside decision.

He said: ‘I thought it was embarrassing that the linesman ruled out Ryan’s strike to make it 4-2.

‘None of their players called for offside and the officials couldn’t give me a straight answer.

‘There should also have been a red card for an elbow but he hasn’t given it. Referees cost you points.

‘I still think we should have seen the game out.’

The afternoon started positively for the hosts when Thomson arrowed home a brilliant strike following a Stephen Dobbie pass.

And the Doonhamers doubled their advantage when Dykes converted a cutback from Dom Thomas.

Despite the deficit, Livingston looked dangerous going forward and deservedly pulled one back, De Vita curling a delightful free-kick into the bottom corner.

They were level on the restart when Halkett rose highest to head home Alan Lithgow’s long throw.

Livingston looked on course for all three points when Hardie, on as a substitute less than 24 hours after completing 90 minutes for Scotland’s Under-21s in Andorra, put them ahead.

The on-loan Rangers striker met Lee Miller’s cross with a stooping header that evaded the clutches of Jack Leighfield.

Queen’s took advantage of their offside reprieve when Todorov fired home his last-gasp leveller.

Queen’s manager Gary Naysmith said: ‘Given how the game went, I’m very happy to get a point in the end but I still feel as though we have thrown two points away.

‘We did well to keep going because we had nothing left in the tank after a tough spell.’