Livingston 2-1 Ross County: Joel Nouble and Nicky Devlin strike, Livy back in top 6

Livingston returned to the Premiership top six with first-half goals from Joel Nouble and Nicky Devlin to beat Ross County 2-1.

After a dull start, the Lions brought the game to life, scoring two goals in minutes.

Nouvel opened the scoring in the 37th minute with captain Devlin firing in a strike from 18 yards.

County Delegate Simon Murray took the lead by one, but the away side, who slipped into the bottom two, had no time to find the equalizer.

Just three minutes later, there was concern for both teams as both Devlin and Staggies forward Eamon Brophy required medical attention when the ball was chased by home goalkeeper Shamal George.

Both players were able to continue and it was the Lions who began to assert dominance.

Livingston forward Bruce Anderson had Morgan Boyes brilliantly blocked by Conor Randall after Ross Laidlaw saved a deflected shot.

The away side were unable to gain a foothold, but created their first meaningful chance in the 32nd minute.

Jordan White flicked a corner from Gwion Edwards, but Keith Watson could only find the side netting on the back post.

Livingston took the lead in the 37th minute just as County began to look more dangerous.

James Penrith’s shot was reacted by Noble and the striker crossed Laidlaw to find the net.

Livingston turned around when they doubled their lead just two minutes later.

Penrith’s shot was deflected by Laidlaw, but the ball found its way to Devlin and the Livingston captain shot from 18 yards into the corner of the net.

The hosts quickly came out of the block at the start of the second period and came close to adding a third period.

Jason Holt set up Devlin, but the right-back’s shot from a tight angle hit Laidlaw in the chest.

County boss Malkey McKay tried to bring life back to his side with Murray and Ross Carachan coming on and back on the bench.

And the pair got involved when County returned one in the 69th minute.

Carachan found a brophy and his low cross bounced before being bundled into the net by Murray from close range.

The assistant referee flagged him for offside, which was overruled by VAR after reviewing the build-up footage.

County put the pressure on, but Livingston stood firm to take all the loot.

what’s next?

Livingstone Return to Scottish Premiership Action after International Breakaway St Mirren April 1st. Kick off at 3pm.

Ross County host Celtic April 2, live on sky sports12 o’clock kick off.