LIAM Buchanan struck with an injury-time penalty as Thistle kept their title hopes alive in dramatic fashion. This clash appeared to be heading for a stalemate until Liam Fox was penalised for handball and substitute Buchanan calmly sent Roddy MacK
enzie the wrong way.
An air of anticipation around Firhill as kick-off approached was rarely matched by skill on the park.
Perhaps news of St Johnstone's early goal at Dens filtered through to the Thistle players but there was certainly a lack of urgency and of goalmouth activity at either end.
Ian Maxwell featured large in the opening stages, firstly with a long throw-in which was scrambled clear. The big defender was then hustled off the ball by Armand One and relieved when the former Jags striker was unable to cash in on the opening.
It was typical of the scrappy fare that the first real chance came inadvertently, Danny Griffin's attempted clearance rebounding from David Rowson and looping goalward. The ball looked destined for the top corner until the back-tracking MacKenzie managed to tip it over.
Kris Doolan looked the most likely Jags player to make the breakthrough, showing neat touches.
His lively approach was matched by Leigh Griffiths, who looked eager to add to his goals haul following midweek trials with West Brom.
The Scotland U19 forward did have the ball in the net but not before the whistle had blown for a clear offside.
Livingston almost broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time when Paul Paton was penalised for a clumsy challenge on Tony McParland on the edge of the box. McParland took the free kick and saw his drilled shot turned over by Jonny Tuffey.
Home supporters were given cause for sarcastic applause during the half-time break when full-back Marc Twaddle was drawn out the hat as the recipient of a Citroen car. Duly galvanised, Twaddle motored to the Livi byeline to set up the first chance of the second half but his cross was headed wide by Scott Chaplain.
Livi responded with efforts from Cammy McDonald and Griffiths who were both denied by Tuffey.
Armand One also contrived to shoot over after being presented with a chance by John Robertson's error.
Ian McCall committed all three substitutes in a desperate bid to find a late winner but Thistle looked just as likely to concede as to score.
That was until Buchanan calmly stroked away that late, late penalty.
