Inverness travel to the Tony Macaroni, knowing they need to win the match to keep the pressure on Dunfermline. Nicky Clark’s 95th minute equaliser for the Pars means the Caley Jags need to win their remaining matches and hope that Dunfermline slip up on the last day.
Referee: Colin Steven Assistants: Mchael Banks and David Dunne
The Manger:
John Robertson
“Saturday was a blow, there’s absolutely no doubt about that. It the famous football gods, they give and then take away. We got a late winner against Dumbarton in the cup final and, cruelly, we then lose a goal in the last minute that we deserved to win.
“But, if people think we’re giving up, then they’ve got another thing coming. We have to go down to Livingston and win the game. Do we need a favour? Yes, absolutely. But, from a lad that lost the League title in 86 with seven minutes to go, then I know these miracles can happen.
“Had we held on, then the pressure would have been on us to win. Dunfermline would have sat back said on you go, you’ve got Livingston and Morton away let’s see what you can do. But as I say, by the cruellest of fate it wasn’t to be. We have to do what’s right for us and that’s keep Dunfermline honest and we way you do that is go down to Livingston and win.
“It’ll be a tough game, Livingston have done terrifically well. They’ve come up and people give them stick for their direct style of play, but it works. David Hopkin has done his job well as he’s picked players that have suited that style. They are very direct to get the ball into the opposition half, but once they’re in there they can play all sorts of things: they can get it down, play it in and get crosses in for their striker who are very dangerous. It’ll be a tough match, the last two have been draws and they beat us earlier in the season, but we know what needs to be done and we need three points.”
The Opposition
Livingston has been the surprise package this season with them already securing 2nd spot already. Manager David Hopkin has received many plaudits for Livi’s fantastic season in their first season in the Championship after promotion from the League One.
January recruit Ryan Hardie has been massive for Livi with eight league goals to his name, Craig Halkett is just behind Hardie with 7 goals this term. No side in the league has conceded fewer goals than Livi this term with them just conceding 34 times in 34 matches.
Team News
Iain Vigurs remains suspended and Gary Warren misses out with a calf problem
Head-to-head: Livingston Wins- 13 Draws: 10 ICTFC Wins- 13
Liam Polworth had the following to say in the build-up: “Things happen, If we win tomorrow night then we can put the pressure on and maybe Dumbarton will go us a favour on the last day.
“We have to go out in the next two games and win to see where it takes us. We know the Livingston game will be tough, we’ve watched enough of them and played them a few times. We know they’re a big physical side that like to get the ball forward early and something that we’ll have to deal with.
Last Meeting: ICTFC 1-1 Livingston (02/02/2018)
Right at the start of the year ICTFC looked to have all three points just before a late Livi equaliser.
Aaron Doran had the Caley Jags ahead after just 6 minutes but the game changed just before the break as Iain Vigurs was dismissed for a harsh second yellow card.
Alan Lithgow headed home with just 8 minutes to go to earn a point for the visitors.
Form Guide
Livingston: Inverness CT:
W Brechin City (H) 3-0 D Dunfermline (A) 2-2
D St Mirren (A) 0-0 W Dumbarton (A) 1-0
W Morton (H) 3-2 W Dumbarton (H) 5-1
L Dunfermline (A) 0-1 W Falkirk (H) 1-0
W Dumbarton (A) 3-0 W QoS (A) 2-0
D QoS (A) 3-3 W Brechin (H) 4-0
Last Line-Ups
Livingston (V Brechin): Alexander, Lithgow, Halkett, Gallagher, Byrne, Pittman, Cadden (Mullin 60), Jacobs, De Vita (Longridge 72), Hardie, Miller (Robinson 74).
ICTFC (V Dunfermline): Ridgers, Seedorf, Mckay, Donaldson, Tremarco, Trafford, Chalmers, Polworth, Doran (Calder 90), Austin (Mackay 60), Oakley.