Livingston 3-1 Falkirk: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral’s post-match review of Livingston 3-1 Falkirk in the Premiership on Saturday, 09 August 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Livingston secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Falkirk at home, a result that aligns well with their recent form. The match saw Livingston extend their unbeaten run, having previously drawn with Kilmarnock and won against Ross County in the Premiership Play-Offs. Key moments included early goals from Scott Pittman and Lewis Smith, which set the tone for the game. The result was not particularly surprising given Livingston's strong performance at home and their ability to capitalise on scoring opportunities.

Falkirk, on the other hand, struggled to maintain their momentum after a promising start to the season. Their recent form had been inconsistent, with draws against Dundee United and Alloa Athletic. Ross MacIver's goal in the 74th minute offered a glimmer of hope, but it was not enough to overturn Livingston's lead. The defeat marks a setback for Falkirk, who will need to regroup and address their defensive vulnerabilities moving forward.

The statistics from the match reflect Livingston's dominance despite having less possession. With only 41% of the ball, Livingston managed to outscore Falkirk 3-1, showcasing their efficiency in front of goal. Their successful dribbles percentage of 71% compared to Falkirk's 50% indicates a more effective attacking approach. The four yellow cards received by Livingston suggest a more aggressive style of play, which, combined with their clinical finishing, contributed significantly to the outcome of the match.

Falkirk's higher possession at 59% did not translate into a favorable result, as they struggled to convert their control into goals. The team's five corners compared to Livingston's four show they had opportunities to threaten, but their finishing let them down. The single assist recorded by Falkirk highlights a lack of creativity in the final third, which was a key factor in their defeat.

Livingston's early momentum was crucial in securing their victory. Scott Pittman's goal in the 18th minute and Lewis Smith's strike just before halftime put Livingston in a commanding position. These early goals not only boosted their confidence but also forced Falkirk to chase the game. The substitutions made by Livingston, including the introduction of Jeremy Loteteka Bokila, who scored in the 88th minute, further solidified their lead and ensured the win.

Falkirk's key moments were less impactful but still noteworthy. Ross MacIver's goal in the 74th minute briefly reignited their hopes of a comeback. However, the team's inability to capitalise on their substitutions and the VAR decision against Keelan Adams in the 73rd minute hampered their efforts. The yellow cards received by Liam Henderson and Brad Spencer also disrupted their rhythm, contributing to their eventual defeat.

Livingston lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Jérôme Prior in goal and a backline of Samson Lawal, Ryan McGowan, Danny Wilson, and Adam Montgomery. The midfield trio of Scott Pittman, Macaulay Tait, and Graham Carey provided a solid foundation, while Lewis Smith, Robbie Muirhead, and Andy Winter led the attack. The early substitution of Shane Blaney in the 14th minute and the subsequent changes, including the introduction of Jeremy Loteteka Bokila, who scored late in the game, were impactful. Lewis Smith's goal and overall performance stood out, contributing significantly to Livingston's victory.

Falkirk opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Scott Bain between the posts and a defense consisting of Keelan Adams, Lewis Neilson, Liam Henderson, and Leon McCann. The midfield was anchored by Brad Spencer and Dylan Tait, with Calvin Miller, Aidan Nesbitt, and Ethan Ross supporting striker Ross MacIver. The team made several substitutions, including Alfredo Agyeman and Brian Graham, but these changes did not yield the desired impact. Ross MacIver's goal was a highlight, but overall, the lineup struggled to contain Livingston's attacking threat.

Lewis Smith is Coral’s Man of the Match for his standout performance against Falkirk. Scoring a crucial goal in the 45+3rd minute, Smith played a pivotal role in securing Livingston's victory. Although he did not record any assists or key passes, his goal was a testament to his clinical finishing and ability to perform under pressure. His contribution was instrumental in maintaining Livingston's lead and ultimately clinching the three points.

Recent Premiership matches:

• Win: 3-1 vs Falkirk (H) - Premiership

• Draw: 2-2 vs Kilmarnock (A) - Premiership

Recent Premiership matches:

• Loss: 1-3 vs Livingston (A) - Premiership

• Draw: 2-2 vs Dundee United (H) - Premiership

Livingston sit atop the league with 4 points after a 2-2 draw against Kilmarnock and a 3-1 win over Falkirk. They face Celtic, in 4th place with 3 points, on August 23, 2025, with the time TBD due to postponement. Their clinical finishing (5 goals in 2 matches) and defensive solidity (3 goals conceded) boost confidence, and they’ll aim to maintain their attacking momentum against a strong Celtic side to hold their lead.

Falkirk are in 11th place with 1 point, earned from a 2-2 draw against Dundee United but undone by a 3-1 loss to Livingston. They face Hibernian, in 3rd place with 3 points, on August 23, 2025, at 17:45. The defeat highlights the need to improve finishing (3 goals scored) and defensive organisation (5 goals conceded) to secure their first win and climb the league standings.

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