12 mins Defensive laxity allowed Zola time and space to direct an Alan O'Brien cross past trialist 'keeper McKenzie in the home goal 1-0

34 mins A rare header from LuaLua after Brennan had centred doubled Newcastle's advantage, although one or two locals were doubtless disappointed that the man from the Congo chose a more formal handshake celebration rather than his famous tumbling act.   2-0

36 mins An in-swinging wasn't picked up by the Newcastle defence and although Andrews’ header was blocked, Pasquinelli had the easiest of finishes from point-blank range.  2-1

38 mins The home side were straight back in the attack again and forced another corner. This time it was Rubio who bundled in from close range.  2-2

Half time: Livingston 3 Newcastle 2

74 mins Wilson pounced on an error at the back and charged into the box. As Bartlett advanced off his line, the striker lifted the ball over the keeper towards goal. It wasn’t going in, though, and Canadian striker Xausa was there to steer home from close range 2-3

Full time: Livingston 3 Newcastle 2

Gary Caldwell commented after the game:

"I am looking to get out on loan again. I spoke to the manager and I don't think there are going to be many opportunities for me.

"I want to keep furthering my career and playing first-team football, so a loan would be an option, if it became available."

While LuaLua told the Chronicle:

"It was good to be back playing games. I've had two good run outs and I feel my fitness is coming along nicely now.

"It was disappointed to lose the game as we'd gone 2-0 up but we've all got our fitness up and it was nice to get my first goal of the season. The gaffer wanted me to ease back into things after the internationals and I'm feeling good now.

"I just want to carry on where I left off last season and in the summer for my country."

Marcio Maximo celebrated a win in his first home game in charge of Livi but said:

"If everything is all right at this stage, then it is not really all right.

"It is too early for that as there are still two weeks to go before the start of the season.

"We need to change many things here and it’s a gradual process. It is still far from what I want but it is coming. The team reacted to an adverse situation against Newcastle and demonstrated good personality to change that situation. They started to believe in themselves and that was important."

Defender David McNamee spoke to the Edinburgh Evening News:

"Things are coming along well and I think you can see that the team is really starting to gel now. We played some nice stuff against a good Newcastle side and I think the boys are gaining confidence.

"The new coach is a typical Brazilian in that he is very attack-minded. He wants the team to entertain without being kamikaze and I think we’re all going to enjoy playing his type of football. He likes the full-backs to push on and support the midfielders and forwards which is great for me because that’s my game.

"I’ve really been quite happy with the way pre-season has gone so far. I’ve worked hard to get my fitness up to the required level and, while there’s still a bit to go, I’m confident I’ll be ready when the season starts on August 9.

"Last season was tough for me with injuries and then when I did come back late in the season I had to play in a position which was not familiar to me.

"Because of injuries I had to play at centre-half and, while I had played there in the past, I wasn’t used to playing there at that level of football.

"Even so, I think the experience of doing that will stand me in good stead but it won’t be until the new season starts that people will see the best of me."

Biffa

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