Loons Fall to First League Defeat of the Season

Livingston 2 Forfar Athletic 0

Forfar travelled to Almondvale hoping to repeat their double success of last season, only to leave empty handed after a below par performance.

The Loons' bright start to the league campaign ended as Livingston took all three points with a 2-0 victory.

The writing was on the wall as early as the fifth minute with Forfar having already conceding 4 corners. The home side continued to probe the Forfar defence and almost took the lead in the 14th minute after a free flowing move ended with Liam Fox firing in a low shot which flew inches past Euan McLean's right hand post. The home side continued on top with the Loons struggling to create any meaningful moves.

Controversy arrived in the 20th minute following a horrendous challenge by Craig Barr on Stephen Tulloch who was making his first appearance of the season following injury. As the officials discussed the tackle at length, the only debate surely was "yellow or red?" Amazingly no card was shown to Barr who had quietly slinked away behind the remonstrations of the Forfar players.  Referee Northcroft booked Bishop and Bullock for dissent, but was clearly unsure of who had committed the offence so he chose to do nothing.  Tulloch tried to continue the game but was soon substituted injured.

The home side took the lead after 24 minutes when the visitors failed to properly clear a quick attack, and Robbie Winters headed home from close range. Minutes later and Forfar had David Mowat to thank for heading off the line following a Russell header. The remainder of the first half saw Forfar struggle to hold onto any possession and Bullock was never really tested during the first 45 minutes.

Forfar had the first chance on the second half from a set piece. After Hilson was fouled out on the left, Iain Campbell swung over a dangerous cross which Bolochoweckyj connected well with but could only guide his effort into Bullock’s arms.

Almost immediately the Boss decided to spice things up by replacing Templeman and Gibson with Ross Campbell and Deasley. Soon after Ross found Fotheringham with a clever pass and Martyn laid the ball into the path of Hilson who fired well wide.

With Forfar enjoying their best period of the match, the home side doubled their lead. A loose ball fell to the feet on Jacobs who took a touch before firing past McLean from 20 yards out.

In the final ten minutes of the match Russell came close to adding to his side's lead by first hitting the post, and then being foiled by McLean’s legs.

All in all a disappointing week for Forfar. League business can now be put to one side next weekend as Ross County visit Station Park in the quarter finals of the Alba Cup.

Match Report by Kevin Brown