Livingston's Under 19 side produced a courageous performance to defeat Youth Cup holders Hibernian and reach the semi finals today.

Brian Welsh's side travelled to the Hibernian Training Centre more in hope than expectation, but trooped off the pitch victorious after turning in a superb, hard-working performance against their SPL opponents.

The game was very eagerly contested from the earliest stages with the young Lions matching their bigger opponents tackle for tackle.

Hibs arguably had the better of the first half hour, but Livi grew in confidence towards half time and eventually forced a way through the home defence in 44 minutes, Kyle Jacobs showing great awareness to head home after brother Devon's corner caused chaos in the Hibs box.

After half time, the Lions had the ball in the net again but the referee ruled the second 'goal' out - harshly it appeared - for a push inside the penalty area.

Hibs had the benefit of the slight slope in the second half and they nearly drew level through a long shot from McCready which rebounded off the bar with Jamieson beaten.

Substitute Ross Gray had a shot cleared off the line with seven minutes to play. Had that gone in it would have ended the contest, but in the closing stages Hibs piled forward looking for an equaliser.

Superbly marshalled by the centre half partnership of Hastings and Fordyce, Livi held firm to earn a place in the last four where they will face Celtic, Rangers or the winners of the postponed Airdrie v St Mirren tie.

Livingston
Jamieson, Welsh, D Jacobs, Fordyce, Hastings, Scott (Gray), Cummings, Ky Jacobs, Halliday (Russell), McNulty, S Jacobs