ROAR US TO SUCCESS
Hopkin asks fans for big-match repeat
Livingston boss David Hopkin knows all about becoming a play- off legend.
During his playing days, the former Scotland international scored a famous Wembley goal as he curled one into the top corner from 20 yards in the final minute to win the 1997 First Division play-off final and guide Crystal Palace into the Premier League.
Now he’s hoping one of his players can write themselves into club folklore and fire the Lions into the top flight for the first time since 2006.
Livi host Partick Thistle tonight (Thursday) in the first leg of the Premiership play- off final in front of what is set to be a packed Tony Macaroni Arena before the return trip to Glasgow on Sunday afternoon.
Hopkin said: “There’s a chance for someone at Livingston Football Club to become a legend but it’s going to be a very tough task against a Premiership side.
“Partick Thistle are a decent team and for whatever reason they were unable to replicate the season they had last year, which was a tremendous one for the club.
“Obviously if we win and get into the Premiership it would be a massive achievement for the club because we were genuinely aiming at just staying up after getting promotion.
“We know the pressure will really all be on Partick because they’re deemed to be the bigger club and they will be desperate to stay in the Premiership but I’ve told the players to go out there and give it their best shot.
“Cup finals are all about winning and that’s what we are going to try our best to do.
“It’s going to be a tough challenge and we are massive underdogs but there’s a chance to become a hero.
“I’ve said to the players that I don’t really care if they make mistakes because that happens. As long as you give it everything over the two games and play like we have been all season, that’s all I can really ask.”
The gaffer had special praise for the fans after they turned out in huge numbers to cheer the team on to success in the semifinal on Friday night at home to Dundee United – and he wants a repeat performance from the spectators.
He said: “The home crowd on Friday night against Dundee United was unbelievable, it really was.
“It’s great credit to the people of West Lothian and Livingston because a lot of them would have been fans of other teams who wanted to come down and support their local team in a big game.
“We’d be hoping for the same, if not even more tonight. It was an amazing atmosphere and I think Dundee United thought they would come down here and outnumber us and it would almost feel like a home game.
He added: “It’s going to be a great occasion and terrific exposure for the club and the players, which they thoroughly deserve after their season.”
Ticket prices for both legs of the Premiership play-off final have been announced – with both ties being pay at the gate.
Tickets cost £20 for adults, £15 for concessions and £5 for under-16s.
Thursday’s first leg at the Tony Macaroni Arena kicks off at 7.45pm and supporters are advised to get there early to avoid long queues at the turnstiles.
The Livi Lions Supporters’Club are running buses from West Lothian for Sunday’s second leg in Glasgow.
Fare costs £7 while children under the age of five travel for free – exact change would be appreciated.
The pick-up points and times are as follows: Pumpherston – opposite the Cawburn Inn (1.15pm), Mid Calder – opposite The Black Bull (1.20pm), Dedridge – Crofthead Farm bus stop (1.25pm), Almondvale Stadium (1.30pm), Carmondean – opposite The Saltire (1.40pm) and Bathgate - opposite The Dreadnought (1.50pm).
All travellers are welcome. To book your seat or for further information, check out www.livifc.boards.net or contact the Supporters’Club via Twitter @LiviLionsSC.
Sunday’s game at Firhill kicks off at 3.30pm.
For those unable to make it to either fixutre, the games will be televised live on BT Sport.