Livingston's search for a first win at Fir Park since 2002 continues as they fell to a 1-0 loss to Motherwell this afternoon.
A contentious penalty, awarded for an apparent handball from Cristian Montano and duly scored by Kevin van Veen midway through the second half was all that separated the sides in a drab affair.
The Lions would end the game with 10 men after Dylan Bahamboula was shown two yellow cards in quick succession, ending his afternoon just 13 minutes after coming off the bench.
Livingston boss David Martindale named an unchanged side to the one that had beaten both Dundee United and Hibs in previous games. That meant a club record 310th appearance for midfielder Scott Pittman.
The visitors created the game's first chance when neat play down their left eventually led to Joel Nouble teeing up Nicky Devlin on the opposite flank. The former 'Well youth player could only fire an angled drive into the arms of Liam Kelly.
Both sides showed plenty of attacking intent in the early stages but came up against sturdy defences which meant chances were limited. Motherwell's first effort didn't arrive until the 21st minute when a wonderful Sean Goss free-kick was floated into the back post but Ricki Lamie couldn't direct his diving header the right side of the woodwork for his liking.
Callum Slattery then fizzed an effort wide from 20 yards moments later while at the other end Sean Kelly was unable to test brother Liam in the Motherwell goal with a free-kick from distance.
Kevin van Veen had been kept under control by the Livi backline during the first half but the Dutch striker almost opened the scoring on 55 minutes as he cut in from the right but he dragged his strike narrowly wide, hitting the side-netting.
He would eventually open the scoring midway through the second half as the hosts were awarded a penalty when a back-post header was adjudged to have struck the arm of Cristian Montano. Livi players vociferously argued that decision but van Veen slotted away the spot-kick for his third goal of the season.
Things went from bad to worse as Dylan Bahamboula was ordered off for two yellow cards shortly after his introduction. The first, a robust challenge on Blair Spittal before three minutes later receiving his second yellow for a foul on Sean Goss.
The 'Well were able to see the game out without too much drama with an Esmael Goncalves dipping half-volley from 20 yards that didn't worry Kelly being the best the Lions could muster in the closing stages.
Motherwell: Kelly; McGinn, Solholm, Lamie, O'Donnell; Slattery, Goss, Cornelius (Morris 54), Spittal (Maguire 83); Van Veen, Shields (Efford 54). Subs not used: Oxborough, Mugabi, McKinstry, Johnston, Tierney, Mahon.
Goal: Van Veen (pen, 68)
Livingston: George; Devlin, Fitzwater, Obileye, Montano; Omeonga, Holt (Mullin 81), Kelly (Bahamboula 64); Pittman, Shinnie (Goncalves 68); Nouble. Subs: Konovalov, Longridge, Brandon, Bitsindou, Cancar, Penrice.
Sent-off: Bahamboula (77).
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