Match ends, Morton 0, Livingston 1.
MortonGreenock Morton0LivingstonLivingston1
Nicky Cadden's wonder-strike brought in-form Livingston victory against promotion play-off rivals Morton.
The winger found the top left corner of the net from 25 yards for his first goal of the season.
Scott Pitman had the chance to extend Livi's lead almost immediately, but was denied by Morton goalkeeper Derek Gaston.
The hosts did hit the foot of the post through Mark Russell effort in the first half.
Livingston have now further consolidated their second place in the Championship, now eight points behind leaders St Mirren and eight ahead of third-placed Morton.
David Hopkin's men have won five of their last six games.
Visiting striker Ryan Hardie was almost gifted a goal in the first few minutes when Gaston spilled a cross, but he recovered well to divert Hardie's attempt wide.
Pitman tested Gaston again before Morton debutant worked hard to set up Russell for his low effort off the far post from the edge of the box.
Mikey Doyle was next to threaten for the Greenock men and Livi goalkeeper Neil Alexander was equal to the shot.
There were only two minutes on the clock in the second half when Cadden's impressive strike sailed past Gaston, and further efforts later clearly showed that had given him some extra confidence.
If Pitman's side-footed shot a couple of minutes later had been a bit harder, Livingston might have had a healthier lead, and Hardie kept Gaston on his toes with another low effort too.
Post-match reaction
Morton manager Jim Duffy: "It was a very difficult match and we knew it would be. They are a terrific side and they work hard and make it difficult for you to create.
"The one chance that came their way and Cadden scores a fantastic goal. I didn't think we were poor. I have no complaints about the attitude or work ethic of my players."
Livingston manager David Hopkin: "At half-time I had a wee go at a few of my players and asked for more. We score a wonder-strike and sometimes that's the difference.
"Young Nicky's come into the team the last few weeks and I've asked him to do more - that goal was worthy of winning any game and we defended magnificently the rest of the game."
Line-ups
Morton
Formation 4-4-2
- 1Gaston
- 6DoyleBooked at 80mins
- 4O'Ware
- 5Lamie
- 16Strapp
- 12TidserSubstituted forRossat 71'minutes
- 3Murdoch
- 14Harkins
- 17RussellSubstituted forOliverat 83'minutes
- 11McHugh
- 18Baird
Substitutes
- 7Oliver
- 15Tiffoney
- 20Brennan
- 21Langan
- 25Ross
- 28Purdue
Livingston
Formation 3-5-2
- 1Alexander
- 31Gallagher
- 26HalkettBooked at 60mins
- 4Lithgow
- 23De VitaBooked at 54minsSubstituted forMcMillanat 56'minutes
- 6Byrne
- 8Pittman
- 17RobinsonSubstituted forJacobsat 41'minutes
- 11Cadden
- 18MillerSubstituted forLongridgeat 75'minutes
- 9Hardie
Substitutes
- 2McMillan
- 3Longridge
- 5Buchanan
- 7Mullin
- 10Boyd
- 14Jacobs
- 20Maley
- Referee:
- Euan Anderson
- Attendance:
- 1,373
Match Stats
Home TeamMortonAway TeamLivingston
- Possession
- Home59%
- Away41%
- Shots
- Home5
- Away12
- Shots on Target
- Home1
- Away6
- Corners
- Home10
- Away3
- Fouls
- Home10
- Away10
Live Text
Post update
Full Time
Second Half ends, Morton 0, Livingston 1.
Post update
Lewis Strapp (Morton) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Post update
Foul by Jack McMillan (Livingston).
Post update
Corner, Morton. Conceded by Nicky Cadden.
Post update
Corner, Morton. Conceded by Declan Gallagher.
Post update
Hand ball by Ryan Hardie (Livingston).
Substitution
Substitution, Morton. Gary Oliver replaces Mark Russell.
Post update
Foul by Ricki Lamie (Morton).
Post update
Nicky Cadden (Livingston) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Booking
Michael Doyle (Morton) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Post update
Foul by Michael Doyle (Morton).
Post update
Scott Pittman (Livingston) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Post update
Lewis Strapp (Morton) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Post update
Foul by Keaghan Jacobs (Livingston).
Post update
Attempt saved. Ryan Hardie (Livingston) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
Post update
Attempt missed. Nicky Cadden (Livingston) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left.
Post update
Foul by Andy Murdoch (Morton).
Post update
Shaun Byrne (Livingston) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Substitution
Substitution, Livingston. Jackson Longridge replaces Lee Miller.
