Stubborn lifter replacement?

I have a 1996 Ford Escort LX cylinder #1 has been misfiring a lot and one of the lifters is bad in it so I'm assuming it's related. I took one of the lifters out no problem. The other one however is incredibly stubborn. I can't get it out for the life of me. It's just an absolute shame to it's lifter family. I'm wondering how I can remove the lifter in any way without having to take of the head because I don't really feel like having a big project right now. I need transportation. I'm assuming that the lifter is mushroomed out on the bottom and so it is stuck in there because it comes out partway but then stops. Any suggestions?

When you assume,
I assume the proper way to replace lifter IS remove head
ASK ford dealer.parts dept knows all and they like talking really

Lisle tools makes a tool for removing stubborn lifters.

http://knoppix.net/store/Lisle-13750-Hydraulic-Valve-Lifter-Remover-Tool-With-Adapters_151465527771.html