Livingston climbed again into the cinch Premiership prime six after first-half objectives from Joel Nouble and Nicky Devlin noticed off Ross County 2-1.

Following a uninteresting begin, the Lions sparked life into the sport with two objectives in as many minutes.

Nouble opened the scoring within the thirty seventh minute earlier than captain Devlin fired dwelling a strike from 18 yards.

County substitute Simon Murray pulled one again however the away workforce, who slipped into the underside two, ran out of time to seek out an equaliser.

There was concern for each groups after simply three minutes when each Devlin and Staggies ahead Eamonn Brophy wanted therapy after being clattered by dwelling goalkeeper Shamal George as they chased a ball excessive.

Each gamers have been capable of proceed and it was the Lions who started to claim their dominance.

Livingston ahead Bruce Anderson had a deflected shot saved by Ross Laidlaw earlier than Morgan Boyes had an effort brilliantly blocked by Connor Randall.

The guests struggled to get a foothold within the recreation however created their first significant likelihood within the thirty second minute.

Gwion Edwards’ nook was flicked on by Jordan White however the outstretched Keith Watson might solely discover the side-netting on the again publish.

Simply as County have been starting to look extra harmful, Livingston stormed forward within the thirty seventh minute.

James Penrice’s supply was met by Nouble and the striker headed an effort again throughout aim into the web previous Laidlaw.

It obtained higher for Livingston after they doubled their lead simply two minutes later.

Penrice’s effort was overwhelmed away by Laidlaw however the ball made its approach to Devlin and the Livingston skipper rifled a shot into the nook of the web from 18 yards.

The hosts have been fast out of the blocks in the beginning of the second interval as they got here near including a 3rd.

Jason Holt arrange Devlin however the right-back’s effort from a decent angle got here again off Laidlaw’s chest.

County boss Malky Mackay turned to his bench to attempt to breathe life into his facet, with Murray and Ross Callachan approaching.

And the pair have been concerned as County pulled one again within the 69th minute.

Callachan discovered Brophy and his low cross took a ricochet earlier than being bundled into the web from shut vary by Murray.

The assistant referee raised his flag for offside however VAR overruled after reviewing footage of the construct up.

County piled on the stress however Livingston stood agency to select up all of the spoils.

What’s subsequent?

Livingston return to Scottish Premiership motion after the worldwide break free to St Mirren on April 1. Kick-off 3pm.

Ross County host Celtic on April 2, reside on Sky Sports activities. Kick-off 12pm.