Livingston vs Hamilton FC preview - Tena loss could prove expensive

Posted Tuesday, March 19, 2013 by PA

Livingston will be without suspended defender Jesus Garcia Tena when Hamilton visit for youth coach Richie Burke's third game in temporary charge.

Keaghan Jacobs remains sidelined following knee surgery and Ross Docherty is not available after a groin problem as the Lions look to move five points clear in third place.

Burke said: "We had wanted to get playing really quickly after a great win at Raith Rovers so it was frustrating when the game with Falkirk was postponed on Saturday.

"Hopefully we can take that frustration out on Hamilton Accies and put on another display full of pace and good passing.

"If we could keep hold of third place it would be a great achievement for our young squad but Hamilton are a decent side, so we are well warned."

Hamilton are sweating on the fitness of skipper Alex Neil for the trip after the experienced midfielder suffered a calf injury in Saturday's 2-0 defeat from Partick.

Accies will be missing Kieran Millar and Jon McShane through knee injuries, with boss Billy Reid saying: "Alex took a kick to his calf at the weekend and he had to come off.

"The injury has loosened a bit but it will be a late call on whether he can play."

Whoever plays will have a simple message from Reid as he explained: "We simply have to start scoring the goals that our play deserves.

"We have been great in games up to the final third where we are not ruthless enough. Hopefully that will change at Livingston."