St Mirren 0-0 Livingston: Visitors set to claim seventh place

Livingston all but sealed seventh place in the Scottish Premiership despite a goalless draw against St Mirren.

St Mirren keeper Jak Alnwick produced a fine display to deny the visitors on numerous occasions and thoroughly earned his clean sheet, whilst the hosts almost nicked a win when Curtis Main’s header smacked a post.

With three draws from four meetings between the two sides this season, this game should have been pretty predictable.

However, Livingston knew a win in Paisley – something they’ve not managed since August 2018 – would officially wrap up seventh place and the title of ‘best of the rest’.

Alan Forrest was the main man for the visitors. His first-half battle with Alnwick started around the half-hour mark, firstly denied when he collected his own rebound and saw his narrow shot smothered by the keeper’s extended frame.

St Mirren responded through Main’s header but that was really the closest they came to testing Ivan Konovalov, who continued to deputise in goal for Livingston in place of Max Stryjek.

Alnwick stepped up again just before the half. This time, Forrest slalomed through two St Mirren defenders before poking high – but the keeper made himself big to deny the soon-to-be-departing winger.

However, Stryjek had to rely on Joe Shaughnessy when Joel Nouble was sent through on goal and looked to slyly roll the ball into the corner, only for the falling feet of captain Shaughnessy to block.

Generally though, the St Mirren number one was keeping his side in it, stopping Nicky Devlin from opening the scoring in the second-half with a great tip over the bar.

The Livingston captain almost set up a winner minutes from time, finding Odin Bailey on the left hand side of the box, but the winger could only rattle the crossbar with his curled effort.

Man of the match – Jak Alnwick

What did we learn?

Not a great deal, to be entirely honest. Of all the matches in the Premiership this midweek, this one came closest to a dead rubber – despite what both managers would have you believe.

Ultimately, Livingston are still on course for seventh place, while St Mirren continue their best run of form under Stephen Robinson, so neither side will be too unhappy about their penultimate result.

Looking ahead to next season, St Mirren will need to add depth to their squad whilst hoping Greg Kiltie continues his form from the second-half of the term. Replacing Alnwick – if he departs – will also be crucial.

Livingston look to be in a much stronger position, although losing Forrest will be a blow. However, if they keep their midfield trio of Jason Holt, Scott Pittman and Stephane Omeonga, they should do well again.

What they said

St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson: “I thought we were very good at times without creating clear-cut chances. I thought it was us that dominated the midfield battle. We were unfortunate not to get all three points.

“People are hopefully seeing the energy we have in the team. The fans got right behind us and that’s what people want to see – a team that gives them absolutely everything. We’ve signed four new players that we’ll announce in the next a few weeks.”

Livingston manager David Martindale: “The first year, we didn’t know what to expect. But as the seasons progress, I know what I’ve got in the building. I had a rough idea of ​​where we should finish, so I was fairly confident.

“I’d have taken tenth at the start of the season, so to finish seventh, I’m fairly happy with that. For a club of our size, everyone at the club should take massive credit.”

What’s next?

St Mirren meet former boss Jim Goodwin when they travel to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen on Sunday, whilst Livingston host now-relegated Dundee (both 12:00 BST).