Livingston vs Hamilton Academical. Scottish Premiership.
Tony Macaroni Arena.
Hamilton's second win of the campaign saw them move into ninth spot in the Scottish Premiership
Saturday 12 September 2020 20:33, UK
Kyle Munro marked his maiden start for Hamilton with a first senior goal to secure a 2-1 victory over Livingston.
The 18-year-old, on loan at Clydebank last season, was pitched into the line-up due to the unavailability of Lee Hodson, who is required to undergo a period of isolation after his housemate, St Mirren's Jak Alnwick, tested positive for Covid-19.
Munro only made his debut a fortnight ago as a late substitute against Rangers, yet never looked out of his depth against the Lions and emerged as the unlikeliest of heroes.
He clinically headed home at the back post in the dying embers to secure a smash-and-grab triumph after David Templeton had cancelled out Scott Pittman's early opener.
Their second win of the campaign saw Hamilton, perennial relegation favourites, leapfrog Livi and move into ninth spot in the Premiership.
It was an outcome which appeared unlikely with just 29 seconds on the clock.
Lars Lokotsch linked up superbly with Alan Forrest, sending the winger scampering into the box, and his low cross was turned into the net via a combination of Pittman and sliding Accies skipper Shaun Want.
Visiting goalkeeper Ryan Fulton made a sharp sprawling save to deny Forrest as Livi dominated.
Marvin Bartley then headed into the arms of the Accies number one from point-blank range following a goal-mouth scramble.
Templeton was the only man in blue carrying any semblance of threat in the first period, with a low free-kick from 20 yards that fizzed wide of the post representing the best Hamilton could muster.
However, Brian Rice's charges were a different team in the second half and swiftly levelled through that man Templeton.
Hakeem Odoffin met a Reegan Mimnaugh corner and struck the crossbar with a thundering header, only for the ex-Hearts and Rangers player to lash home the rebound.
Templeton, in irrepressible mood in West Lothian, then curled a terrific effort tantalisingly wide following a fine Cruyff turn on the edge of the Livi box.
Livingston blew a golden chance to reclaim the lead when Pittman struck the under-side of the bar from six yards following a Craig Sibbald knock-down.
And Accies made them pay by stealing all three points in the dying embers, with Munro ghosting in to meet a Templeton free-kick and coolly nod beyond Robby McCrorie.
Hamilton manager Brian Rice: "Kyle did well on what was his full debut. He's very quiet, doesn't say too much, but I know he can head the ball - and I was hoping it was him coming in at the end!
"It's absolutely fantastic for anyone to score a winner, but to do it on your full league debut is something the kid will never forget.
"These kids here are ready to go. They were waiting their turn and you can see they can play."
Livingston manager Gary Holt: "If you don't defend your box you don't win games, it's as simple as that.
"It was naive for us to think somebody else would clear the free-kick. You go and clear it - you go and do your job. And if you don't do it, you ain't gonna play next time.
"At the end of the day you have got to have the desire to put your head in where it hurts - and we have lost two soft goals."
Livingston take on champions Celtic, while Hamilton travel to Kilmarnock, with both games taking place on Saturday September 19 at 3pm.
