Livingston and Aberdeen played out a goalless draw in a physical contest in West Lothian to get the 2023-24 Premiership season up and running.In a game of few chances, Livi produced a display that was all too lacking in the latter stages of last term as they slipped out of the top six.Boss David Martindale made a bold team selection with Bruce Anderson dropped in favour of Kurtis Guthrie despite netting in three of the club's four Viaplay Cup games, while there was no place in the starting line-up for Stephen Kelly, either.The opening stages were particularly scrappy with a Duk header comfortably going over Shamal George's bar and, at the other end, a fizzing half-volley from Mo Sangare that flew wide being the best both sides could offer in a combative first-half.Aberdeen began to take the upper hand after the break and threatened a couple of times in the early stages.

Jonny Hayes was unable to turn home a deep Leighton Clarkson cross while moments later Duk jinked and turned the box but ultimately saw his effort blocked.Livi, though, grew back into proceedings and had the best chance of the game on 70 minutes when Scott Pittman's cross was nodded down into the path of Cristian Montano with the Colombian's half-volley requiring a smart save down low by Kelle Roos.The Dutch keeper had to be alert shortly after to turn away Ayo Obileye's strike at his near post as the hosts looked to break the deadlock.The game ended on a worrying note for the home side as Bruce Anderson was stretchered off following a head injury sustained in a challenge with Sloboden Rubezic.Livingston: George; Devlin, Obileye, De Lucas; Brandon, Holt, Shinnie, Montano (Penrice 73); Sangare (Pittman 45), Nouble; Guthrie (Anderson 62; MacKay 90).

Livingston kick Premiership season off with gutsy home draw against Aberdeen

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