Boo boys left silent by Iain Russell strike
LIVINGSTON captain Liam Fox admitted he was delighted for match-winner Iain Russell after his team-mate was targeted by Dumbarton boo boys in the Lions' 2-1 win last Saturday.
Former Sons player Russell bundled home the winner for the county side but got himself booked for running past Dumbarton's supporters to celebrate the goal.
However, this came after the player had come in for some shocking abuse from the home fans.
Fox believes Russell's goal was the perfect response to silence the home crowd.
"The abuse is something that you just have to deal with and fans are going to give you stick," he said. "But it was great to see Iain score after were a man down."
Veteran Robbie Winters had given Livingston a first-half lead from the penalty spot after Ben Gordon had tripped Russell in the box.
Dumbarton sub Scott Chaplain levelled the match in the 70th minute through another spot-kick, which saw Michael O'Byrne sent off for a second booking, before Russell hit the winner despite taking three attempts to force the ball over the line.
Fox added: "It was a very, very good three points for us in the end last Saturday against Dumbarton because I don't think we played particularly well, and that is the sign of good team who can win when they are not at their best. The penalty we got in the first half was a wee bit soft and the referee didn't help the game at all. It was petty, stop-start stuff all day and he evened our penalty up with the one he gave them.
"Both players were pulling at each other and it was six of one and half a dozen of the other.
"It happens all the time in football and big Mick (O'Byrne) wasn't happy about it at all because he got a second yellow for it and had to go for an early bath.
"The boys showed fantastic character in the game. We knew we'd get another chance despite only having ten men and Iain Russell was the one who man who put it away for us.
"He's on fire just now and his confidence is sky high so I think he'll get a barrowload for us this season. He's a goalscorer and they are hard to find so we're extremely lucky to have him on board."
Fox said the Lions must continue their unbeaten start – a draw and a win – if they are to live up to their "favourites" status.
He added: "We've been given the tag of favourites for the title this year and that's fair enough, I'm comfortable with that, but we've got to prove ourselves and Airdrie at home this Saturday will be another very tough encounter.
"They let a lot of players go after they were relegated, but let's not forget, they are a young side just like us, eager to prove something and will be champing at the bit to get in amongst us."
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Weather for Bathgate
Friday 18 May 2012
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