Livingstone 7 - 2 Baltic Vets

Baltic succumbed to their second and heaviest defeat of the season at a damp and cold Mayfield Stadium against a strong and athletic Livingstone vets.

Baltic began with a change of system to a 4-1-4-1 with Kieran Pettman shielding the back four. Although it soon became clear that Livingstone were a talented team comfortable in possession, Baltic started well and matched their hosts. However, from Livingstones first clear cut attack they took the lead and within the first 15 minutes were two to the good. However, Baltic continued to play football on the floor and were rewarded with a great team goal. Rhys Buckley passed to Phil Broughton who slipped a ball through to Scott Poulier. He looked up and saw Scott McVeigh unmarked on the edge of the six yard box and was able to pass the ball across goal for a simple finish. Baltic were back in the game. The visitors had further bright periods of play only halted by a very dodgy linesman who couldn't have understood the offside rule.

Livingstone continued to dominate possession but Baltic defended resolutely for the remainder of the half and deservedly went into the break with no further goals conceded.

At the break Baltic made a tactical switch with Kieran moving forward to the lone striker role and Dave Barrett moving back to shield the back four.

The second half continued in the same vein, the home side knocking the ball about without creating clear cut chances and Baltic working hard to contain them, springing on the counter attack with the pacy Rickie and Kev on the wings.

Livingstone's third goal did arrive 10 minutes into the second half and then controversy struck. Another flowing Baltic move involving Kevin and Scott P ended with Kieran turning the ball home in a carbon copy of the visitors first goal. The referee initially gave the goal but in consultation with the replacement linesman unsurprisingly gave offside. Between the first and second half linesmen, Baltic were on the wrong end of some terrible decisions.

However, justice was done when Dave Barrett finished yet another impressive Baltic attack, sharp passing between Scott P and Kieran presented the ball to Dave on the right hand edge of the area and his sweet strike nestled in the bottom left corner.

Baltic continued to battle but the heavy pitch and constant closing down against a fresh looking Livingstone side eventually took its toll. The home side got a fourth goal midway through the second half to take the game away once more. By the final ten minutes the away side were out on their feet and three late strikes flattered the hosts and turned a respectable 4-2 defeat into an undeserved 7-2 thrashing.

If Baltic can take anything from their opponents, it is how to pass and move. However, they should be very proud of the quality of their three goals regardless of whether one didn't count, all three were high quality team moves.

Onwards and upwards.