MX23RW : Thursday, December 19 09:06:28| >> :600:3069548:3069548:
[monks data]
Attendance: 2,633
Livingston logo
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 1
Aug 3, 2019 at 3pm UK
 
Motherwell logo

0-0

FT

Gillespie gets the point for Motherwell

Gillespie gets the point for Motherwell
© Reuters
Goalkeeper catches the eye with impressive show to deny Livingston.

Motherwell goalkeeper Mark Gillespie shone at the Tony Macaroni Arena as the Steelmen kicked off their Ladbrokes Premiership campaign with a 0-0 draw against Livingston.

The Lions enjoyed the better opportunities during an attritional affair in West Lothian but found the former Carlisle number one in inspired form between the sticks for the visitors.

Gillespie, 27, made brilliant blocks to deny Aymen Souda, Scott Pittman and, in particular, Nicky Devlin to ensure a point for his team.

Motherwell will ruefully reflect on a wonderful fingertip save by Ross Stewart from Jake Carroll and a decent late chance which was passed up by Declan Gallagher – however, they struggled to impose themselves against Gary Holt's side.

Precocious Well midfielder David Turnbull, subject of a protracted transfer chase by Celtic before a knee injury forced him to undergo surgery, was afforded a raucous welcome from the travelling supporters ahead of kick-off as he walked pitchside.

When the action started, it took until the 32nd minute for either side to threaten, with Livi stalwart Keaghan Jacobs fizzing a speculative low drive wide of the post from 25 yards.

Stewart justified his selection ahead of Matija Sarkic when the Lions custodian made a sensational one-handed save to deny Well left-back Jake Carroll following a slick through-pass from Jermaine Hylton.

Summer signing Souda almost notched an impressive goal with an acrobatic overhead kick from the edge of the box, only for Gillespie to parry wide.

Robinson's charges were being forced to weather a storm as half-time approached and Gillespie made another super stop from Pittman after the combative midfielder had surged through the 'Well rearguard.

Souda rippled the side-netting and Alan Lithgow stung the palms of Gillespie with a free-kick from distance as the hosts continued to look the more likely side to break the deadlock following the interval.

Star man Gillespie made sure Well would return to North Lanarkshire with a point by making an excellent near-post save from Nicky Devlin, denying the defender from point-blank range.

With just three minutes of the 90 left to play, Gallagher almost came back to haunt his old club but could only direct his header over the bar after rising highest to meet an inswinging corner.

ID:366917: cacheID:366917:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4143:
Written by
P A
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
General view of Almondvale Stadium, home to Livingston, from 2005
Read Next:
Duo doubtful for Livingston
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1FalkirkFalkirk17122333141938
2Livingston17106124101436
3Ayr UnitedAyr1794428171131
4Partick ThistlePartick167541811726
5Queen's ParkQueen's Park177461918125
6Hamilton AcademicalHamilton165382329-618
7Raith Rovers165381521-618
8Greenock MortonMorton163761321-816
9Dunfermline AthleticDunfermline1743101420-615
10AirdrieoniansAirdrieonians171313834-266


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!