Caley Thistle share spoils with Livi Lions
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AN inspired performance from goalkeeper Jonny Tuffey helped Caley Thistle escape from Livingston with a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
The Irn Bru Division Two champions, who beat Hibs 2-1 last week, are one of the dark horses to gain promotion to the SPL next season and this was always going to be a test for ICT ahead of this week’s trip to England to take on Yeovil Town, Bristol Rovers and Aldershot.
With injury keeping out a number of first-teamers, Butcher had to turn to several younger players at Almondvale.
The Lions showed their intent from early on and Iain Russell drove just over the crossbar following a close call from Keaghan Jacobs.
After soaking up the play, ICT skipper Richie Foran grabbed his fifth goal of pre-season when he got on the end of a cross from winger Jonny Hayes, who returned from injury.
Linesman Gavin Duncan flagged Foran for offside earlier in the move, but referee Steve Conroy failed to blow and the goal stood.
After the interval, the hosts pushed hard for a leveller and Tuffey came to the rescue with saves from trialist Colin Samuel, the former St Johnstone and Dundee United forward, before also denying sub Ross Gary.
However, Livi did draw level on 65 minutes when Kyle Jacobs fired home a loose ball with Tuffey, for once, beaten.
The Northern Irishman continued to thwart Livingston’s goal attempts to ensure there was a share of the spoils.
