Miller insists drawing with Kilmarnock proves his Livingston men are capable of playing in big league

LIVINGSTON playermanager Kenny Miller was thrilled to collect the Lions’ first top-flight point in 12 years, and insists the draw with Kilmarnock shows they belong in the Premiership.

This contest will be a genuine candidate for one of the worst spectacles of the season, but Miller could not give a jot as his side got up and running in the league following last weekend’s defeat at Celtic.

In a first half bereft of creativity, Killie’s Chris Burke went closest to scoring with an effort that came back off the post.

The second half was another non-event in terms of entertainment but Miller, whose side played on their new artificial pitch for the first time, insists the result will further strengthen his players’ belief that they can make their mark in the elite division.

‘We had a fantastic workout last week, as tough as they come,’ said Miller.

‘And again on Saturday we’re up against a team in Kilmarnock, who — since Steve Clarke came in — have probably been in the top two in points gained. That has got to give our lads belief.

‘I felt in the first half we were the better team, we controlled it for long spells. It was maybe more 50-50 in the second half. I felt we were more than competitive and that’s got to give our lads a real belief that we can go and be really competitive this season.’

Referee Gavin Duncan reached for his pocket three times during the opening 17

minutes to mete out yellow cards — despite the contest being played in a good spirit.

The first arrived after just 21 seconds when Kilmarnock centre-half Kirk Broadfoot had his name taken for a check on Lee Miller outside the penalty area.

Broadfoot’s defensive partner Scott Boyd and Livingston’s Egli Kaja were also cautioned.

In between Duncan keeping himself busy, it was the Lions who created the first meaningful chance of the game.

Scott Robinson slid a sideways pass to Steven Lawless and the former Partick Thistle forward had a first-time, left-footed drive turned behind by Killie goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald at his near post.

The visitors were then denied by the post in the 29th minute as Burke was left frustrated.

Jordan Jones got the break off a Greg Taylor throw-in to race into the box, but the sliding Burke could only direct his shot off the upright.

Neither side was able to gain a foothold in the match, both in terms of possession or goals, although the Lions seemed more adept at creating openings.

MacDonald made a comfortable save from the outstretched leg of Robinson, before the goalkeeper got behind a Kaja drive from 20 yards.

The second half remained desperately short of action in the final third.

The visitors injected some much-needed excitement in the 71st minute when Stephen O’Donnell had a shot repelled by Liam Kelly.

Kilmarnock manager Clarke said: ‘It was a hardearned point.

‘They started well and put us on the back foot. But we came through it and had the best chance of the first half when Chris Burke hit the post. We controlled the game better, but didn’t really threaten.’