Match report of this afternoon's home draw in the clash against Ross County

Livingston and Ross County had better hope that Trading Standards were not watching their Scottish First Division tussle, as a full refund would be in order such was the tepid nature of the match.

A dull and uninspiring 0-0 draw did little to fuel Livingston's hopes of promotion as the Lions fell further behind in the race to get into the Scottish top-flight.

The first half got off to an explosive start with Ross striker Sean Higgins determined to earn notoriety for himself. The forward proceeded to crash into Jason Thomson, straight from kick-off to earn himself a yellow card after only 15 seconds.

The problem with explosions is that they fizzle out after a while and the first half stagnated into a dreary encounter.

Livi are famous for being nicknamed the Lions and from the fact that County were terrified to venture out of their own half, it would be credible to believe that the home side had managed to lodge a pride straight from the African plains behind Colin Stewart in the Livi goal.

The Dingwall side's only exploration into uncharted territory almost earned them an unjust lead. A speculative cross from Gary Irvine caught the home side napping. Martin Scott tried his luck with a gem of a header from 16 yards that cannoned back off the post with Stewart well and truly beaten.

The second half did little to give the vociferous fans the entertainment they richly deserved, with the man in black, Willie Collum, insistent on breaking up the play with every blow of his whistle.

The home side nearly managed to steal all three points in injury-time as the County defence were caught napping. Super-sub Paul Shields homed in on goal, but the usually pinpoint striker could only roll his effort inches wide of the upright, unwittingly ensuring justice was done.