Dundee bow out of Premiership with defeat at Livingston

Relegated Dundee said farewell to the cinch Premiership with a 2-1 defeat at Livingston.

With the Dens Park club announcing on Saturday that manager Mark McGhee would not be in charge next season, it was a disappointing conclusion to a dismal campaign.

The Dark Blues looked to be going out on a high when Josh Mulligan scored for the second game in a row.

But Andrew Shinnie equalised 12 minutes from time for Livingston, who had already secured seventh place.

Just six minutes later they completed a stirring comeback as Alan Forrest marked what is likely to be his final game for the Lions with the winner.

Dundee began the brighter and twice came close to a breakthrough in the opening exchanges.

With just three minutes gone, Paul McMullan’s shot was tipped around a post by home goalkeeper Max Stryjek.

Cammy Kerr nodded Niall McGinn’s corner into a crowded six-yard box and Max Anderson hit the outside of the left-hand upright with a close-range volley.

The visitors enjoyed the upper hand as they began brightly in their Premiership goodbye.

Another corner from McGinn caused Livi problems but Ryan Sweeney’s header looped just too high and landed on the roof of the net.

The home side finally sparked into life in the 19th minute as they threatened for the first time.

Craig Sibbald found some space on the edge of the box but his right-foot effort went just wide.

The Lions appealed for a penalty midway through the half as Cristian Montano scampered onto an Odin Bailey through ball and went down in the box under a challenge from Jordan Marshall.

But, instead of pointing to the spot, referee John Beaton booked the winger for simulation.

Back came Dundee again but they found Stryjek in inspired form in the Livingston goal.

Zak Rudden