Forfar Athletic 0 Livingston 2

Forfar were narrowly defeated by Livingston in their first competitive game of the 24/25 season.

The Loons went in to the game with a squad of just 14 and gave a debut to new signing Bayley Klimionek in defence.

As expected the championship side dominated possession in the first half but the Forfar defence largely held up strong, that is despite the Loons receiving a scare after just three minutes when Christian Montano’s header came back off the post following a corner.

Scott Pittman forced Marc McCallum into a good save and Robbie Muirhead fired narrowly over the bar with thre only real chances before the break.

Forfar’s resolve was broken five minutes after the restart. Matthew Clarke picked up the ball on the wing and crossed for Liam Sole who lashed home. The goal incensed the home crowd and players who felt the game should have been stopped for a foul and subsequent head knock on Josh Skelly earlier in the play.

The goal prompted the Athies forward and they began applying pressure to the Livi goal. First, Russell McLean came very close following a long throw, as his volley deflected just past the post, then Ross MacLean’s fierce drive was well stopped by Shamal George in the Livi goal.

Allan and Cannon had efforts saved as the Loons continued to push but it was Livi who killed the game off in the 88th minute. Robbie Muirhead was the scorer as he drilled a free kick from 19 yards low in to the net.

There were plenty positives to take from the defeat against an opposition who played in the Premiership last season. The Loons will have another difficult game on Tuesday night when they travel to face Dunfermline at East End Park.