Livingston brought Dundee United crashing back down to earth following their European heroics as the Lions claimed a 1-0 win at Tannadice.
Christian Montano scored the only goal of the game in the second period, arrowing a shot beyond Mark Birighitti from the edge of the box.
The display — in performance and result — was night-and-day compared to United’s rousing showing against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night; the archetypal European hangover.
Ross’ men did threaten with more regularity after falling behind but, by the same token, Birighitti was required to thwart Scott Pittman when clean through.
Courier Sport was at Tannadice to sum up the action.
Key moments
Livingston grabbed a merited lead three minutes into the second half with the first real opportunity of the afternoon.
Birighitti made a fine point-blank save to deny Joel Nouble after the towering attacker had bustled through on goal.
However, from the next phase of play, Montano picked up possession on the edge of the box and lashed home a ferocious left-footed drive.
United had a golden opportunity to restore parity minutes later, with Tony Watt showing fine feet in the box to find a yard of space — only to see his powerful effort superbly saved by Shamal George.
Birighitti produced another top block to thwart Pittman after he was sent haring through on goal by Nouble.
Mathew Cudjoe injected life into the contest when he replaced Glenn Middleton, shooting narrowly off target on two occasions.
United’s star man: Tony Watt
Although Watt was direct, sharp and won a host of free-kicks against AZ Alkmaar, this was arguably as sharp as the wide forward has looked this term.
As well as forcing a super stop from George, he whipped in a dangerous delivery that almost led to an Edwards leveller and was a menace with his surges into the box.
On an afternoon lacking in attacking inspiration, Watt — and latterly Cudjoe — looked most likely to provide some.
Player ratings
Birighitti 7; Smith 6, Edwards 6, Graham 5, McMann 5; Levitt 6, Sibbald 5 (Niskanen 52, 3), McGrath 6; Middleton 4 (Cudjoe 52, 6), Fletcher 6, Watt 7.
Manager under the microscope
Jack Ross resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes ahead of Thursday’s mouth-watering trip to the AFAS Stadion.
Jamie McGrath was given his first start since joining on loan from Wigan, replacing the suspended Ian Harkes. Scott McMann, returning from injury, came in for Kieran Freeman in another predictable alteration.
Charlie Mulgrew was rested, with Ross Graham stepping into the heart of defence — the Scotland under-21 international would go onto endure a testing battle with the imposing Nouble.
After falling behind, Ross sought to be decisive.
Cudjoe and Ilmari Niskanen were pitched in for Glenn Middleton and Craig Sibbald after 52 minutes.
And Cudjoe almost proved to be a super-sub, producing a delightful turn before a powerful shot from 30 yards that forced George into another fine stop.
But ultimately, Davie Martindale won the battle of the bosses.
Man in the middle: Steven McLean
Steven McLean had a relatively simple shift.
The fixture — certainly from a United perspective — was a little flat; largely lacking in controversy, sparing a minor late flare-up involving Sean Kelly and Cudjoe.
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