Livingston slump to defeat away to Hearts but maintain top six berth

Livingston slumped to a 2-0 loss away to Hearts but remained in the top six as results elsewhere went in their favour.

The Lions could have no complaints after an out of sorts performance and were lucky to only have been a goal down at the interval after Beni Baningime rolled the ball home from close range after three minutes.

They would threaten more in the early stages of the second half but a sensational volley just before the hour mark from Barrie McKay ensured the points stayed in Edinburgh.

Livingston were without leading scorer Bruce Anderson, who sustained an ankle injury earlier in the week, and elected for Alan Forrest as the central striker.

The visitors got off to the worst possible start when they found themselves a goal down after just three minutes. They failed to deal with a delivery into the box from the left flank with the ball ultimately falling perfectly for Baningime to poke home from close range.

The hosts looked up for it from the first whistle and were denied a second on 10 minutes only thanks to a fine stop from Max Stryjek after Ellis Simms had been played in behind the defence while Stephen Kingsley was inches wide with his header from Barrie McKay's corner.

Hearts would dominate the first half as they camped inside the Livi half for large spells but were ultimately unable to threaten a second.

The break allowed the away side a much-needed chance to regroup and they instantly looked more of an attacking threat after the interval. Joel Nouble darted down the right flank and cut inside Kingsley with ease but couldn't get his footing right at the crucial moment.

Patient build-up play would then lead to Forrest cutting in from the left and forcing Craig Gordon into a fine save from an angled drive.