Dundee United battled back bravely to claim a vital point at Almondvale after a looping header from David Bingham early in the second half looked to have stolen the points for Livingston.

But a fine header from substitute Derek Lilley off Stephen Thompson's accurate cross five minutes from time earned the Taysiders a draw which keeps alive their top-six hopes.

United might even have snatched a dramatic win in injury time had Lilley managed to connect to another incisive pass from Thompson which had sliced open the home defence.

In the 19th minute Francisco Quino was given the chance to put Livingston ahead when he reacted first to a cross from David Fernandez, but his effort was blocked bravely by United goalkeeper Paul Gallacher.

Two minutes later United defender Jim Lachlan was lucky to escape a booking after a late challenge on Nathan Lowndes.

Fernandez swung the resulting free-kick in from the left and again the ball found its way to Quino who headed tamely wide.

United hit back and almost went ahead with a snapshot from David Winters from 18 yards which goalkeeper Nick Culkin did well to smother.

Quino was proving a constant threat to United and again came close in the 24th minute but his spectacular volley from a Fernandez centre was saved heroically by Gallacher.

The match threatened to erupt during a hectic period shortly before half-time.

Thompson earned the first booking of the day for appearing to elbow Oscar Rubio as the two jostled in mid-air.

The Livingston defender promptly followed the young Scot into the referee's book for raising his hands in retaliation.

Fernandez was then booked for failing to observe the 10-yard rule at the resulting free-kick and when Griffin did manage to take the set piece it fell to Craig Easton who crashed a volley against the crossbar.

A minute before half-time when John Anderson became the fourth player to be booked following a scything challenge on Easton.

The home side took the lead shortly after the interval. Marvin Andrews rose well to flick a Fernandez corner towards Bingham, who reacted first to nod a looping header over the stranded Gallacher.

Tosh came close to doubling Livingston's advantage in the 71st minute. But as the home fans were preparing to celebrate, Gallacher kept his side in the match with a tremendous one-handed block.

United shocked Livingston by equalising five minutes from time. Thompson was the provider, surging down the left flank and delivering a pinpoint cross which Lilley's header flew beyond Culkin.

Teams

Livingston: Culkin, Brinquin, Bollan, Anderson, Rubio, Andrews, Lowndes (Wilson 71), Tosh, Quino, Fernandez, Bingham (Makel 79).

Subs Not Used: McEwan, Hart, Caputo.

Booked: Rubio, Fernandez, Anderson, Andrews.

Goals: Bingham 52.

Dundee Utd: Gallacher, Wright, Lauchlan, Easton, Fullarton, McCunnie, Aljofree, Griffin (Venetis 76), Winters (Lilley 56), Carson (Paterson 56), Thompson.

Subs Not Used: Jarvie, Cocozza.

Booked: Thompson, Fullarton.

Goals: Lilley 85.

Att: 4,720

Ref: D Somers (Scotland).