Dundee 2 Livingston 0

Last updated : 12 May 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Nacho Novo scored a brace as Dundee beat Livingston in a game between two cash-strapped sides at Dens Park.

The Dark Bues started brightly and Roddy McKenzie twice denied Novo in the opening four minutes.

Not to be outdone however, Dundee's top scorer Novo did get the better of McKenzie when he sidefooted the hosts ahead on five minutes after great play by Steve Lovell set him up six yards out.

Midway through the first half a great run by David McNamee saw him go past two Dundee players before crossing low to Derek Lilley. However, the striker made a hash of the chance and fired high over the crossbar.

There were plenty of chances being created at both ends and the home team went close when Lovell and Novo were both denied by McKenzie in quick succession.

At the other end Stuart Lovell's low drive was deflected inches past the post as the visitors went in search of an equaliser.

Jamie McAllister fired a powerful left-foot shot goalwards on the stroke of half-time but it was too straight and Julian Speroni gathered easily.

With just over an hour of the match played a slack clearance by Brent Sancho almost gifted Livi the equaliser but luck was on the defender's side when Colin McMenamin could only knock the ball into the arms of Speroni.

Moments later a close-range effort by Lilley went just the wrong side of the post.

Livi substitute John Paul McGovern fired high over the bar with 12 minutes to go and less than a minute later the visitors were again denied by Speroni who made a great save low to his right to turn away a McMenamin header.

Dundee were awarded a penalty two minutes into stoppage time when Steve Milne was fouled by Lee Makel.

Novo stepped up to send McKenzie the wrong way with his spot-kick to seal victory with his 26th goal of the season.