Kenneth Vargas and Lawrence Shankland scored second-half goals as in-form Hearts eked out a 2-1 win at struggling Livingston to tighten their grip on third place heading into the cinch Premiership winter break.
The Jambos – whose top scorer Shankland saw a penalty saved at 0-0 – endured a nervy finale after Livingston pulled one back through an Andrew Shinnie spot-kick.
But they held firm to make it eight wins in 11 league matches since the start of November, a run that has allowed them to sign off for the winter break five points clear of fourth-placed Kilmarnock with a game in hand. Livi, by contrast, were left six points adrift at the foot of the table after a 13th game in succession without victory.
Both sides made five changes each after disappointing results at the weekend. Livi’s alterations included goalkeeper Jack Hamilton taking over from Shamal George, while new Australian striker Tete Yengi was listed among the substitutes. Hearts boss Steven Naismith handed Austrian midfielder Peter Haring a first start since mid-September.
Livi started brightly and Ayo Obileye saw a header from a James Penrice corner well saved by Hearts keeper Zander Clark in the second minute.
The Lions thought they had gone ahead in the ninth minute when Kurtis Guthrie powered home a header from a Shinnie cross. However, a full three minutes after the ball nestled in the net, the goal was disallowed as the scorer was deemed to be offside following a VAR review.
Hearts struggled to get a foothold early on but they started to create some chances as the half wore on. Shankland prodded an effort over in the 32nd minute before the Jambos captain glanced a header off the crossbar, two minutes later. Vargas then shot over from just inside the box, on the stroke of half-time.
The Jambos started the second period on the front foot and Vargas fired just wide after driving forward to the edge of the box.
Hearts were awarded a penalty in the 48th minute when Lions skipper Michael Devlin fouled Alan Forrest as he ran on to a through pass from Alex Cochrane.
Shankland – who missed a spot-kick against Hibernian last Wednesday – fired the ball straight down the middle and saw his effort saved by the legs of Hamilton before Toby Sibbick headed the rebound over.
The breakthrough came for the visitors in the 52nd minute when Vargas ran on to a lovely pass from Forrest, burst into the box and slotted low beyond the exposed Hamilton.
After Obileye tried to conjure an equaliser with a shot that deflected just over, on the hour mark, Hearts doubled their lead in the 63rd minute when Shankland guided home his 18th goal of the season with the outside of his right foot after being set up by Forrest just inside the box.
Livi got themselves back in the game with 12 minutes remaining when Shinnie tucked home a penalty after Frankie Kent was deemed to have handled in the box following a VAR review, but Hearts held firm for a fourth win.
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
