Game of two halves at Livi
Livingston United got their League Cup campaign underway with a draw in a highly competitive Group L tie, writes Peter Stewart.
The hosts were the better side for much of the encounter and were ahead within two minutes at Station Park. Kieran McGurk picked the ball up 30 yards out and, barely looking up, rocketed a left-foot strike that crept under Ryan Couser’s bar.
Following that moment of stunning skill, the rest of the first half was less easy on the eye as meaty challenges began to fly in - one of which led to Livi’s second as Couser fouled McGurk when the striker tried to pounce on a wayward back-pass.
Bryan Jaconelli calmly slotted the penalty low to the furious keeper’s right to put his side firmly in control.
The second period was a different story, though. Ten minutes after the restart, Kirkcaldy were back in the game as Darrell Anthony drove at goal from the left before lifting the ball over stopper Gavin King.
The visitors were reinvigorated, and on 67 minutes made it all-square with a terrific piece of individual play.
Ryan Fenton split the defence with a driving diagonal run and just as the angle tightened, managed to fire a left-foot finish high into the net.
United’s frustration with the surrendered lead was clear, but the sending-off of midfielder Jason Gregory appeared harsh. He was given his marching orders 18 minutes from time for apparent dissent.
The home side continued to push with 10 men, Jaconelli seeing a shot cleared off the line, but United were punished for a lack of ruthlessness while Kirkcaldy’s impressive resilience merited a draw.