GIVEN the financial chaos that continues to engulf Livingston – despite the claims of chairman Angelo Massone – their efforts under Paul Hegarty have been admirable.
Amid a worrying backdrop of unpaid wages, creditors in court and staff walk-outs
, Hegarty had masterminded a five-game unbeaten run to spark lingering title hopes.
Yesterday, however, against another form side in Morton, they came unstuck, as Davie Irons' well-drilled visitors leapfrogged the Lions into third spot.
Massone issued a rambled, angry statement to concerns pre-match, claiming an "organised group of four or five people who call themselves supporters are trying to damage the club. . . they want to take control of this club, kill it and restart it again in the lower divisions. . . they are misleading supporters through their propaganda."
The Italian's harsh words appeared to be directed at the Livi For Life Supporters Trust, who have a community-based vision if administration occurs.
On the pitch, Livingston were less emphatic than their outspoken leader. Morton were the dominant early force and made a 19th-minute breakthrough in simple fashion. Steven Masterton's cross from the right was neatly glanced past a prone Roddy McKenzie by the head of Brian Wake.
A youthful Livingston side were without captain Chris Innes and Morton, unbeaten in eight games now, sealed it when Wake swept home.
The full article contains 227 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
