Dunfermline: Pars lose at Livingston in Championship opener

ATHLETIC boss James McPake said his players are "giving absolutely everything" after watching them fall to an opening day league defeat at Livingston.

Second half goals from Scott Pittman and Stephen Kelly gave Davie Martindale's hosts all three points at the Home of the Set Fare Arena, with a missed penalty in the dying seconds from David Wotherspoon rubbing salt into Dunfermline's wounds.

The visitors were competitive in the first half, and posed an attacking threat, but were second best to the Lions after the break.

Pittman's effort on the turn came within minutes of the restart, and McPake, when asked if he was disappointed with their opening to the second period, commented: "Yeah of course, to lose a goal within two and a half minutes, a very preventable goal.

"I thought first half we competed well. We had the better of the game in the first half, but you don't get anything for 45 minutes.

"I think we were doing our job in terms of everything they threw at us in the first half.

"We knew the way they were going, and they're decent there. They ask you questions, as we saw later on in the game, but first half, I thought the shape of the team was good.

"Obviously you lose Kieran Ngwenya, which is a massive for us. When he goes off, it changes the full dynamics of the team by moving people about, but I can't question those lads for what they're doing for us.

"They're giving absolutely everything, everything for every fan that came down as well.

"I hope the fans can see that. I'm sure they can because they work their socks off and, just at the minute, we need to ask them to work."

Visiting boss McPake, who was still without Chris Kane in attack, made three changes to the team that started last weekend's Premier Sports Cup loss at home to Cove Rangers.

Joe Chalmers, Michael O'Halloran and Craig Wighton dropped to the bench, with Ewan Otoo, Lewis McCann and Taylor Sutherland coming into the side.

Pre-match, McPake spoke of building up to the start of the league season, and beginning it well, and his men were determined to do just that.

In the opening 45 minutes, they gave as good as they got against the Lions, and carried more of a threat in attack, with Sutherland and McCann linking well.

McCann, who had a half-chance that he couldn't keep down before Andrew Shinnie curled one over at the other end, had Dunfermline's first significant opportunity.

A drive from range by Otoo was blocked but the visitors kept the ball alive, moving it wide right for Kane Ritchie-Hosler, who sent a teasing low ball to the near post.

McCann connected, with George making a save, if unconvincing, before Sutherland was unfortunate not to direct the rebound on target.

The Pars were pressing well and seizing on some loose play by the hosts, with McCann having another shot blocked, before shooting from distance after a good counter saw the ball worked to him 20 yards from goal, but his effort lacked power as George saved.

There was a blow, though, in 34 minutes when Kieran Ngwenya was forced off with a knock, to be replaced by Rhys Breen, and moments later, Deniz Mehmet comfortably held an Andrew Shinnie header.

Then the away side fashioned another excellent opportunity.

Aaron Comrie latched on to a loose ball just inside his own half and burst forward, sending the ball wide right for McCann.

The defender continued his run into the penalty area, and was found by his team-mate, but he spooned his effort well over the bar.

Mehmet then produced a good save to fist Stephen Kelly's free-kick behind, before Breen forced George into a smart stop with a good hit from around 20 yards as the interval approached.

Athletic would've been encouraged going into the break but, minutes after the restart, they fell behind.

After a period of home pressure, which included Mehmet saving at the near post from Shinnie, the ball broke for Pittman who, on the turn, blasted high into the net from close range.

It was a blow for the visitors and, from then on, they were second best as the hosts upped their game.

Kyle Benedictus was needed on more than one occasion to produce fine blocks in defence and, although McCann sent a curling shot over, Livi did find a second.

Substitute, Lewis Smith, got in behind Breen down the right and sent a low ball into the box, where Kelly was on hand to fire home.

As Dunfermline pushed forward in search of a route back into it, they left gaps at the back, with Tete Yengi threatening on more than one occasion, of which saw Mehmet make a good stop.

Chris Hamilton was unfortunate to send a header over the top from a Ritchie-Hosler centre, and McCann had a half-chance late on, before he won a penalty by drawing a foul from Ryan McGowan with seconds to go.

Wotherspoon took the kick, but crashed the ball off the junction of crossbar and post, to sum up a frustrating afternoon for the Pars.

Livingston: George, Clarke, McGowan, Sole (Smith 56), Pittman, Yengi, Kelly, Brandon (Lawal 84), Finlayson, Nottingham, Shinnie (McAlear 80).

Subs not used: Jackson, Korboa, Winter, Green, Prior.

Goals: Pittman (49), Kelly (71).

Booked: Brandon (22).

Pars: Mehmet, Comrie, Fisher (Chalmers 63), Benedictus, Ngwenya (Breen 34), Hamilton, Otoo, Ritchie-Hosler, Wotherspoon, McCann, Sutherland (Wighton 66).

Subs not used: O'Halloran, Young, Tod, Hoggan, McLeod, Briggs.

Referee: Craig Napier.

Attendance: 1,917.