An all-Estonian showdown failed to materialise on the pitch in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday, but striker Alex Matthias Tamm still made his debut off the bench in Livingston FC’s 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock, the club of fellow Estonia international Michael Schjönning-Larsen.
Both players joined their respective clubs during the winter transfer window. While Schjönning-Larsen had already made his Kilmarnock debut in the previous match as a substitute in a defeat to Hibernian, the Estonian full-back was handed his first start for the club in this fixture. Tamm, meanwhile, was officially announced as a Livingston player just two days ago after joining on loan from Slovenian side Olimpija Ljubljana, and was available from the bench.
With both sides occupying the bottom two positions in the league table, the match carried added importance. Livingston made a physical and aggressive start, picking up three yellow cards in the first half, but were rewarded just before the break when Connor McLennan found the net to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Kilmarnock showed greater urgency after the interval and increased the pressure. Schjönning-Larsen, who delivered a solid performance on his first starting debut, was substituted in the 68th minute, and just two minutes later the visitors equalised to make it 1-1.
Tamm was introduced in the 80th minute, making his Livingston debut, and nearly enjoyed a dream start when he had a clear chance to score, only for his effort to be denied by the goalkeeper, ensuring the points were shared.
The draw leaves both clubs still rooted at the foot of the Scottish Premiership standings. Kilmarnock sit 11th with 14 points from 22 matches, while Livingston remain bottom, four points behind.
Both teams now turn their attention to the Scottish Cup next Saturday. Kilmarnock will host Dundee FC, while Livingston welcome St. Mirren at home.
