Livingston 2-0 Ross County

Aug 10 2008 Brian Welsh Reports

FURIOUS County boss Derek Adams had to bite his tongue to keep out of trouble after a dismal display from whistler John McKendrick left his nine-man side fuming.

Livi deservedly grabbed their first win of the season thanks to goals from Leigh Griffiths and Jason Talbot but it was the ref who stole the show.

McKendrick sent off County's Steven Craig in the first half for an innocent challenge then booked SEVEN other visiting players before showing Sean Higgins a second yellow in the closing minutes.

Adams said: "We watched the same match and we all saw what happened but I can't say anymore than that. It ruined the game. Livi became pedestrian when we went down to nine players and that's not a football match. I won't say anything else."

Livi took an early lead in 10 minutes when Murray Davidson's pass found Griffiths in space and the midfielder slotted past Tony Bullock.

County's hopes were severely dented when ex-Almondvale striker Craig saw red in In 40 minutes after a challenge on Chris Innes.

It looked harsh but ref McKendrick ruled use J of an elbow and flashed straight red.

Higgins then followed him off after picking up a second yellow for dissent on the hour.

Talbot (right) sealed the win in 66 minutes when he tapped in to an empty net after Bullock spilled Jean Cuenca's long-ranger.

MoM: Davidson (Livi)