The Thistle Archive

Media report

28-Jan-2003, bbc.com

AMOR CLASS INSPIRES LIVI. Livingston youngster Colin McMenamin grabbed his first senior goal to wrap up the three points at Firhill. But it was the half-time introduction of former Barcelona midfielder Guillermo Amor that inspired Jim Leishman's side. The visitors had taken the lead through Marvin Andrews only to be hauled back to level terms before the interval by Alex Burns. But Rolando Zarate handed the visitors the lead again after the break before McMenamin found the back of the net just four minutes after replacing Davide Xausa. Livingston had handed their supporters a surprise ahead of the game by including goalkeeper Alan Main, an afternoon capture from St Johnstone, as a substitute alongside fellow new signing Amor. Thistle boss John Lambie had no hesitation in handing debuts to his three January signings, Kevin McGowne, Ian Ross and David Rowson.

Both sides had chances to take the lead early in the game, Livingston striker David Bingham nodded the ball just over the crossbar before Martin Hardie's header at the other crept past the post. A 20-yard drive from Gustave Bahoken, who had taken the place of Dundee United-bound Gary Bollan, forced Thistle goalkeeper Kenny Arthur into a finger-tip save after 33 minutes. But Arthur was helpless to prevent Livingston taking the lead just seconds later, Andrews' head powering home a Burton O'Brien corner. Livi's advantage lasted just five minutes, Burns firing home a free kick from 25 yards out.

Quino was replaced in midfield by Amor at half-time, but it was Thistle who threatened first after the break when Burns' overhead kick flew just over. The striker showed more great skill to weave his way into the box, but Hardie just failed to connect with the cross across the face of goal. But it was Livingston who found the back of the net again when Andrews knocked the ball into the path of Zarate and he slotted past Arthur from eight yards. Xausa, who had already been booked, was lucky to escape a red card just seconds later when he appeared to be involved in an off-the-ball incident with Ross. The Canadian striker was quickly replaced with McMenamin and that proved to be inspired substitution by Livi boss Jim Leishman. Zarate flicked the ball on to the youngster and he curled the ball into the back of the net to seal the three points after 79 minutes.

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