Montano’s the man as Lions kill off Killie and move into third
If Livingston had lost this game they could have dropped to ninth but such are the fine margins in the Premiership these days that the victory hoisted them up to the giddy heights of third place.
They will play better and lose this season but they were certainly worthy winners against lacklustre opponents who lacked a great deal more than lustre.
They now face bogey team Aberdeen at Pittodrie immediately after the international break, having lost 11 of their last 12 Premiership away fixtures.
Stephane Omeonga really ought to have fired the Lions in front after only 10 minutes. Joel Double’s clever reverse pass left the midfielder with only Zach Hemming to beat but, as the keeper came off his line, he lost his composure and blazed an effort wildly over the bar.
Livi looked the likelier of the two during the opening exchanges, although they required a set piece in order to break the deadlock.
Sean Kelly’s inswinging corner was the first decent delivery of the afternoon and Killie’s marking was non-existent as Cristian Montano got to the ball before the sluggish Ryan Alebiosu at the near post and headed home from close range.
The Colombian left-back should be getting used to that feeling by now – this was his third goal in his last seven appearances, a tally which makes him his side’s top scorer.
“He’s been brilliant for us,” said manager Davie Martindale. “I had a conversation with Cristian at the end of the year, saying, ‘Look, if you want to go back down the road, I’m not going to stand in your way, but if you want to come in here, I need X, Y and Z from you’.
“He’s given us that and a little bit more. Arguably, he’s been our best player this season. I’m delighted with him.”
Lewis Mayo was cautioned in the 45th minute for a challenge on Kelly which didn’t look like a foul, never mind a booking.
Kurtis Guthrie seemed set to double the home team’s advantage two minutes after the restart when he got on the end of a chipped pass from Kelly but a magnificent, perfectly timed goal-saving challenge from Joe Wright saved the day, although both players need treatment afterwards.
Montano, who now clearly has a taste for this goal-scoring lark, wasn’t too far away with a dipping volley which cleared Hemming’s crossbar.
Derek Mcinnes’ men struggled to make any impression on a well-drilled home defence and even when Rory Mckenzie hit the by-line, Hibs loanee Christian Doidge – making his debut – couldn’t get a touch to the ball as it flashed across the face of the goal.
Livi weren’t great here but all they needed to be was competent in order to stay ahead of Kilmarnock, who were completely devoid of creativity.
They should have secured the points in the 75th minute when Dylan Bahamboula slalomed to the byline and pulled the ball back for Scott Pittman, who was eight yards out. The midfielder had all the time in the world to pick his spot but contrived to pull his effort wide.
Ben Chrisene became the second player to be booked when he brought down Nouble, a foul born of frustration. Yet Kilmarnock should have equalised in the 83rd minute when Mayo was left unmarked as he stole in to meet a cross from substitute Kerr Mcinroy but, from two yards, he headed wide of the far post.
“It wasn’t a great game for the neutral,” said Martindale. “There was a lot of direct play from Kilmarnock and we knew they would hit us with set-plays.”