Livingston 5
Ayr United 0
League (Championship)

Match Report

Livingston swept aside fellow promotion-chasers Ayr United to secure second place in the Scottish Championship and ensure Falkirk have to wait to try to seal the title.

David Martindale's side had to win to deny Falkirk the chance to win the league - and promotion - on Saturday and blew Ayr away in the first half in particular.

Stephen Kelly's deflected strike on six minutes gave them the lead, and Robbie Muirhead's penalty after goalkeeper Harry Stone fouled Cristian Montano put them in firm control.

Kelly drilled in his second and Livingston's third before the break to effectively seal an important three points, before Montano rolled in the fourth late on.

Reece McAlear capped a dominant performance with a precise volley from the edge of the box as Livingston made a statement ahead of potential play-off rematch.

If Falkirk defeat Raith Rovers on Saturday they would have one hand on the trophy given John McGlynn's side would be six points clear of Livingston with two games left, and a goal difference advantage of at least 15.

But at the very least Livingston now know if they end up in the play-offs they will play one fewer round after sealing second spot, and are poised to take advantage if Falkirk slip up in the title race.

Scott Brown's Ayr will finish third in the league and face either Partick Thistle, Raith Rovers or outsiders Morton over two legs in the play-off quarter finals.

Livingston manager David Martindale: "I thought first half was a really good performance and we scored really good goals. Second half, we managed the game and hit them on the counter.

"You don't read too much into it. It's a good performance and three points, but we've still got a lot to do. If Falkirk stumble, they stumble, but it's Falkirk's to lose."

Match report written by BBC