Winning start for Montrose

MONTROSE BEGAN their pre-season programme with a fine 2-1 victory over first division Livingston, writes The Dundee Courier.

Links Park boss Steven Tweed included seven of his close-season signings in the starting line-up and the new-look side did him proud as they fought back from a goal down to win, with goals from new signing John Gemmell and youth player Jordan Leyden.

Livi were first to threaten in nine minutes when David Winters cut in from the left but his shot was saved by Steven Coutts.

In 18 minutes, Winters might have done better than head wide from a Liam Fox cross, then in 27 minutes Ian Harty cut in from the left and shot wide for the visitors.

Livingston broke the deadlock in 34 minutes when Andrew Halliday cut in from the right and smashed home a left-foot drive.

A goal ahead, Livingston changed their entire team at the break, making 11 substitutions, while Montrose contented themselves with two.

Two minutes after the restart, Armand One shot just wide for Livi.

Montrose were on level terms in 64 minutes when Gemmell got the break of the ball on the edge of the box and crashed a shot high into the net.

One stabbed the ball over from eight yards then, as Livi pushed to get back in front, Keaghan Jacobs shot over and David Sinclair shot inches wide.

Montrose made five more substitutions during the course of the second half and they were rewarded for their spirited display six minutes from time.

Under-17 starlet Leyden took advantage of fatal hesitation in the Livingston defence and poked the ball home for the winner.