Sorry Sons suffer as Lions Livi the dream

LIVINGSTON continued to defy all expectations by reaffirming themselves as genuine candidates for a play-off place after convincingly beating Dumbarton.

The West Lothian club remain in third place in the Championship and while St Mirren and Dundee United seem to be in a head-to-head for automatic promotion, David Hopkin’s side, who were promoted last season, are the shock story so far.

Dumbarton have a fine home record and took the lead, but were then thoroughly outplayed and to make matters worse had Kyle Hutton sent off; the former Rangers man was booked twice within 60 seconds right at the end of the game.

The day began well for the home side when Alistair Roy scored the game’s first goal after 24 minutes.

But it was Livingston all the way after that.

Indeed, they were back level within 90 seconds, Craig Halkett the man on target.

Scott Pittman made it 2-1 just before half-time thanks largely to some dreadful defending by Dumbarton.

It was then a case of how many Livingston would score.

Dumbarton goalkeeper Scott Gallacher was the busiest man on the park and were it not for him then the scoreline would have been much worse for his side.

Raffaele De Vita set-up Dylan Mackin for a third Livi goal after 57 minutes.

And Gallacher was to beaten a fourth time.

Again, Dumbarton didn’t cover themselves in glory at the back. They failed to clear their lines properly, the ball fell to Scott Robinson outside the box and he directed his shot through a crowd of players and into the net.

Livi could even afford to miss a penalty, Gallacher pulling off a fine save to deny Matthew Knox.