Matija Sarkic salvages bonus point for Livi as Falkirk pay penalty

Matija Sarkic was the hero as Livingston earned a bonus point after winning 4-3 on penalties in a Betfred Cup match against Falkirk. Lyndon Dykes opened the scoring before Conor Sammon netted a dramatic equaliser for the Bairns to make it 1-1 at full-time. Livi scored all their spot-kicks and Sarkic saved from Michael Tidser and Lewis Toshney to hand Gary Holt a winning return to the Falkirk Stadium. Livingston started brightly in a Group G encounter, with confusion in the box as Falkirk defender Mark Durnan headed against his own post. But it was the Bairns who fashioned the first effort on goal when Charlie Telfer’s curling effort from the edge of the box was saved by Sarkic. New skipper Gregor Buchanan headed over the resulting corner. Chances were at a premium in the match but Holt’s men opened the scoring in the 36th minute. Dykes played a good one-two with Scott Robinson before running in on goal, his shot clipping Bell on the way in as it looped over the helpless goalkeeper for his first goal for the club. Livi, buoyed by the goal, could have added a second minutes later, as Dykes cut in on his right and fired a thunderous effort towards goal, but Bell saved. Falkirk brought on Denny Johnstone in place of Aidan Connolly and almost grabbed an equaliser minutes after coming on when he prodded his shot wide at the far post. But they secured a draw in dramatic fashion when Sammon fired in from close range before Bell ensured the match would go to penalties with a great save from substitute Aymen Souda. Sarkic then denied the Bairns in the shoot-out. Topics Conor Sammon Aaron Hughes and Conor Sammon leave Hearts McCarthy hits out over non-celebrations Hibbert and McAleny sign new Everton deals Coady and Doherty pen new deals with Wolves Cisse and Senegal motivated by long wait Hamilton boss Rice refuses to blame referee after defeat Stephen Robinson relieved to see Motherwell grind out victory Livingston boss Holt calls for more clinical edge Heckingbottom calls for ruthlessness after cup opener Another club could enter the race to sign Neymar from PSG 10 big, disastrous signings who cost managers their jobs Arsenal have decided how to handle the Laurent Koscielny situation Juan Mata rejected insane offer to stay at Manchester United – report 13 players who left on terrible terms with their clubs