Game over for Livi after nightmare half
Livingston’s Jason Holt wonders if he and his team mates are the victims of their own success, after falling to a 3-0 defeat at Motherwell.
First half goals from Max Johnston and a Kevin Van Veen double ensured the Lions suffered their sixth defeat in eight, extending Livingston’s miserable run of form at Fir Park.
And Holt, who last week put pen to paper on a two-year extension with the West Lothian side, knows that his side need to be better from the get go.
When asked if the Lions were perhaps a victim of their own success, Holt replied: “Maybe, but I do believe that the group of players that we have we are capable of pushing for that top six, but the last two weeks have been really unlike us.
“Six goals conceded, especially in two first halves of football.
“When you go one-nil down it’s hard enough but when you go three-nil down, the game’s done.”
Motherwell got off the best start and should have been in front earlier, with Van Veen capitalising on a miscontrol by James Penrice after only four minutes to feed the ball to Johnston, but his shot was straight at Lions stopper Shamal George, who saved well.
The Steelmen would be in front just five minutes later, however.
A poor pass from Livi skipper Nicky Devlin allowed Mikael Mandron to push into space on the left-hand side of the box.
His pass found James Furlong, who passed the ball low to Van Veen. The Dutchman made no mistake in finding a beautiful touch to take the ball out of his feet before lashing home into the roof of the net.
Livingston saw more of the ball than the hosts on a pristine surface but were unable to carve out any clear-cut chances.
A delightful ball from Steven Bradley on the right-hand side was almost met by Joel Nouble, however the ball bounced harmlessly through to Liam Kelly.
Motherwell were two up just after the half hour mark, with Van Veen getting his second of the game.
A quick free kick played the big striker through one-on-one, and George will be disappointed as his shot somehow found the net at the front post.
It went from bad to worse for the Lions just 60 seconds later, as the hosts extended their lead further.
A floated ball over the top of the defence from Sean Goss found Blair Spittal. His shot was blocked by George, however, the rebound fell to Johnston who stroked the ball into the empty net.
Van Veen almost had his hat-trick seven minutes before time, tapping in after his initial header was saved, however VAR referee Steven McLean adjudged the front man to be offside, sparing the Lions further heartache.