Livingston 1 Aberdeen 2

Last updated : 22 September 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Aberdeen secured their first win since the opening day of the season as their hosts Livingston, slumped to the bottom of the SPL.

Aberdeen caught Livingston cold and opened the scoring after only 45 seconds when Eric Deloumeaux's corner found an unmarked Russell Anderson who headed low beyond Javier Sanchez Broto.

Livvie could have found themselves two down five minutes later, as Darren Mackie should have done better after a clever ball from Leon Mike put him clean through but he pulled his shot narrowly wide.

After these opening exchanges Livingston took control of the half without creating many clear-cut chances.

Gary Bollan's 25-yard free-kick beat Peter Kjaer but drifted just past the post after 11 minutes. The home side were restricted to long-range efforts after that, with substitute Davide Xausa and Francisco Quino firing high and wide from distance.

It was not until the 41st minute that Aberdeen's defence was put under serious threat. Livingston appealed for a penalty after Deloumeaux bumped into Burton O'Brien in the box but the referee waved the claims aside.

Livingston should have equalised just before half time but Rolando Zarate's header from Barry Wilson's corner was hooked of the line by Patrizio Billio.

Livingston opened the second half brightly and finally made their pressure count, Bollan's free kick was sent deep into the Dons defence and after a deflection off Zarate the visitors defence was slow to react as Xausa forced the ball home from close range.

With 15 minutes left the Dons scored what proved to be the winner. Mike's cross found Mackie at the back post and although his shot was saved by Broto, Kevin McNaugton was on hand to slam the ball home from 12 yards.

Livvie went all out to try and salvage a point but it was all to no avail as Aberdeen rose to eighth in the SPL