Livi earn a derby win on final day

Livingston United ended their Conference X campaign with a 2-1 win at home to local rivals West Calder United.

Jeremiah Otonti opened the scoring with a neat finish on nine minutes before Craig Johnston’s close range finish evened things up just before the break.

A Michael Gould penalty 15 minutes from time finally settled the tie in Livingston’s favour.

The game was played at a frantic pace but with both defences able to easily repel each other in what was at times a scrappy affair.

Livi skipper Hassan Nyang went close early on with a header that glanced wide, but the hosts took the lead shortly after when Otonti knocked the ball beyond Cauther defender Daniel Cleary before racing through and slotting the opener past Callum Peace.

As the half drew to a close, the Livi defence failed to clear a free-kick, with the ensuing pinball inside the box finally ending with Johnston slamming home from close range.

The intensity wasn’t matched after the break but just as it looked like neither side would add to the scoring, Gould was brought down inside the box by Gary Livingstone.

He duly dusted himself down and sent Peace the wrong way from the spot as the hosts got themselves back in front.

Gould and Otonti missed chances in the final moments to put the game to bed but Livi rounded off their inaugural league campaign in senior football with three points.

Elsewhere on the final day, Armadale Thistle’s brilliant season ended in disappointment as they lost 2-1 away to Stoneyburn, who can be satisfied with their sixth place finish.

Bathgate Thistle were beaten 6-1 at third-placed Bo’ness Athletic, while it was a 7-0 loss for Pumpherston away to Syngenta in Craig Martin’s final game in charge of the club.

Martin, who helped guide Pumphy to a pair of league titles in their Junior days will be replaced by Darren Pegg.