LIVINGSTON played out a 0-0 draw with SPL side Falkirk at Almondvale yesterday afternoon, with head coach John Murphy pleased with his side's initial efforts only 12 days into pre-season.

Murphy made use of a match day pool of 22 players, consisting of first team regulars, U19's and trialists, but - despite the disruption of a number of substitutions throughout the second half - the Lions battled hard against last season's Scottish Cup finalists.

"We can take some confidence from the fact that we were only 12 days into pre-season and did well against a SPL team that is playing in Europe next week," said Murphy.

"There is room for improvement, and we plan to address that this week in preparation for Montrose on Thursday."

Captain Chris Innes, goalkeeper Roddy McKenzie and midfielder Mark Torrance in particular all had solid games, whilst Murphy was also pleased with giving further first team experience to several current U19 players, keeping in step with his long term vision for the club.

"The young boys have been told that they will be given serious consideration for 1st team places when warranted this season. They will receive the individual attention they need on and off the pitch to develop for performing at this level.

"The bottom line is, we will need a contribution from them not only this season, but over the next couple of years as well. It is imperative that we place a renewed effort towards the youth and I will ensure that happens here at Livingston while I am head coach."

With one match out of the way in the pre-season programme, Murphy now intends to step up the efforts of his squad with further games against Montrose and Plymouth Argyle to follow, before the trip to face Queen of the South in the ALBA Challenge Cup on July 25.

"Training has been good so far, and we will continue double sessions this week in preparation for Montrose on Thursday night. The U19's will be in with us in the mornings, but will train separate from the first team in the afternoon. This will allow me to focus on more specific topics with each group as the season approaches."

Livingston team versus Falkirk: McKenzie (McDowall 60), Talbot (Trialist A 45), Malone (Sheldon Jacobs 65), Innes (Hastings 55), MacDonald (Kyle Jacobs 75), McParland (McKee 60), Hamill (Keaghan Jacobs 60), Torrance (Sinclair 60), Halliday (Trialist B 45), Fox (De Vita 60), Winters (One 65).