Match Report

Saturday, 9th August, 2025

MATCH REPORT: LIVINGSTON 3-1 FALKIRK

Falkirk won a free kick early on due to Brad Spencer being brought down by an extremely late challenge from Graham Carey, who received a yellow card as a result. Calvin Miller sent the ball into the box looking for Dylan Tait, who headed wide.

Ross MacIver gave Falkirk their first proper chance, following a great delivery from Leon McCann, with a header that forced Jerome Prior into a diving save. Falkirk then had three corners back to back with the third finding Tait, whose attempt was blocked by the Livingston defence.

Livingston took the lead 18 minutes in through Scott Pittman, who took advantage of a Falkirk mistake and was able to slip the ball past Scott Bain. Shortly after, Ethan Ross had to come off due to landing badly after a challenge. Falkirk then had to temporarily play with ten men while Alfredo Agyeman prepared to come on in his place.

Despite having to make two changes during the first half due to injuries, Livingston managed to put another one past Falkirk at the end of the half. In additional time, Lewis Smith hit a powerful strike from the edge of the area, hitting the top left corner and doubling hosts’ lead before the half time whistle.

Falkirk made two changes at half time, with Mackie and Graham replacing McCann and Nesbitt. Livingston won a penalty 10 minutes into the second half following a lengthy VAR check for a handball. Robbie Muirhead stepped up to take it, and as Muirhead sent the ball to the right, Bain dived right as well, saving the penalty and collecting the ball to shield it from danger.

With around 15 minutes to go, Falkirk were awarded a penalty for a foul on Keelan Adams that appeared to be in the box, however, following another VAR check, the decision was changed to a free kick on the corner of the area. Hope was not all lost though, as Calvin Miller’s free kick easily found Ross MacIver, who flicked a brilliant header into the top cornerr. There was then another VAR check for a possible offside, but the goal was awarded and Scott Arfield came on to replace the goalscorer.

Livingston managed to sneak in another goal before full time, with Jeremy Bokila scoring from a tight angle to restore the two goal lead on 88 minutes. The full time whistle then blew following eight minutes of additional time.

Falkirk will now take a break from league action to face Celtic away in the last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup on Friday Evening (Aug 15). We hope to see as many fans there as possible!

FALKIRK XI: Scott Bain, Keelan Adams, Lewis Neilson, Liam Henderson, Leon McCann (sub Sean Mackie), Brad Spencer (C), Dylan Tait (sub Henry Cartwright), Calvin Miller, Aidan Nesbitt (sub Brian Graham), Ethan Ross (sub Alfredo Agyeman), Ross MacIver (sub Scott Arfield).

BENCH: Nicky Hogarth, Gary Oliver, Connor Allan, Rhys Walker. MANAGER: John McGlynn.

LIVINGSTON XI: Jerome Prior, Lewis Smith, Ryan McGowan (C), Danny Wilson, Adam Montgomery, Macaulay Tait, Sammy Lawal, Scott Pittman, Andy Winter, Robbie Muirhead, Danny Wilson.

BENCH: Jack Hamilton, Shane Blaney, Stevie May, Jeremy Bokila, Andrew Shinnie, Mo Sylla, Cristian Montano, Sam Cuthbert, Tete Yengi.

MANAGER: David Martindale.

VENUE: Home of the Set Fare Arena.

ATTENDANCE: 3316

MATCH OFFICIALS: Chris Graham, Duncan Nicolson, Alastair Mather, Steven Traynor, George Calder, Gavin Duncan.