Robinson late show secures a super six for Livvy
MARTINDALE’S MEN MARCHON
A GOAL in the final minute of stoppage time from substitute Scott Robinson saw new manager Davie Martindale maintain his 100-per-cent record with a sixth successive win.
Robinson lobbed Danny Rogers from the edge of the 18-yard box to take all three points from a hardfought match during which both sides battled against the elements.
The victory takes Livvy to within one point of Dundee United in fifth place with a game in hand.
‘The players are magnificent and if you’re going to win a game, you love to win it like that,’ said Martindale.
‘It was absolutely fantastic and the joy you get from a 92nd-minute winner is like nothing else. You could see that by the reaction from our bench and the players.
‘Today was the first time we’d gone behind since I took over and it was fascinating for me to watch how they reacted to that because they hadn’t been in that position.
‘But the fact that we bounced back immediately in these terrible conditions just sums up everything about Livingston.
‘It was a test of character to go behind to a goal like that. Nicky Devlin was saying that his elbow was tucked in but the ball did strike him, although it was hard for it not to be a handball from that distance.
‘But we lost a goal from a penalty and I’m pretty pleased that we didn’t lose a goal from open play, if I’m honest. But I’m even more pleased that we went on to win the game.
‘How do we top six wins in a row? I’m going for seven!’
Killie boss Alex Dyer rang the changes from the midweek defeat at Tannadice, with Aaron McGowan and Youssouf Mulumbu in for Clevid Dikamona and Greg Kiltie.
Livingston’s line-up, by contrast, practically picks itself these days, with Jay Emmanuel-Thomas in for leading scorer Alan Forrest the only change.
There was a minute’s silence prior to the kick-off in memory of former Killie manager — and 1965 Scottish League championship-winning player — Davie Sneddon, who passed away earlier in the week.
However, it was Livvy who came close to taking the lead in the first minute, when Rogers managed to turn behind a header from Jon Guthrie after the defender had met Josh Mullin’s free-kick.
Guthrie was then the victim of a rash lunge from Nicke Kabamba, which earned the striker a booking.
The swirling wind and driving rain made it difficult for both sides to pass the ball on the artificial surface, which made for long punts and scrapping for second balls.
Killie appealed for a penalty when Rory McKenzie hit the deck after a challenge by Guthrie but referee Kevin Clancy waved play on
Scott Pittman had the ball in the net in the 34th minute, but the midfielder had strayed offside before he headed in Mullin’s cross.
There were stray passes aplenty but the conditions meant that players couldn’t be criticised.
A goal finally arrived three minutes after the restart and, unsurprisingly, it did not come at the end of a free-flowing move.
During a goalmouth scramble after a Chris Burke corner, a shot from Stuart Findlay was handled by Devlin. The full-back received a caution but Burke provided the real punishment when he beat Max Stryjek from the spot.
Killie were not in front for long. Just three minutes later, Alan Power lost possession to EmmanuelThomas and the striker levelled with a shot from 20 yards which deceived Rogers.
Julien Serrano was booked for catching McGowan with a stray arm but there was some much-needed light relief when Livingston skipper Marvin Bartley inadvertently brought down the referee.
Craig Sibbald tried his luck from distance, his dipping half-volley clearing Rogers’ crossbar by inches.
Robinson twice came close with left-foot drives, one drifting wide of the far post and the other being held by Rogers at his near post.
At the other end, Stryjek beat away a stinging shot from Mulumbu but, as the minutes ticked away, neither side looked like finding that crucial second goal until Robinson’s delightful chip in stoppage time.
It was a fifth consecutive defeat for Dyer and he is well aware of the potential consequences.
‘We have to regroup and go again until someone tells you otherwise,’ he said. ‘Have I the support of the board? Of course I have.
‘They are a good board. If they turn around tomorrow and say: “It’s time”, I will shake their hands and I will move on: it’s not a problem. There will be no animosity, there will be no hatred, because they have always been good to me.
‘I know where I’m from and I know what I’ve got and I’m lucky enough to be at a good club with good people.’
KILMARNOCK (4-2-3-1): Rogers; McGowan, Broadfoot, Findlay, Waters; Mulumbu, Power; Burke, Tshibola, McKenzie; Kabamba.
Subs (not used): Doyle, Haunstrup, Dikamona, Brophy, Kiltie, Whitehall, Pinnock, Taylor. Booked: Kabamba.
LIVINGSTON (4-2-3-1): Stryjek; Devlin, Fitzwater, Guthrie, Serrano; Sibbald (Poplatnik 79), Bartley; Mullin, Pittman, Holt; Emmanuel-Thomas (Robinson 69).
Subs (not used): McCrorie, Lawson, MacMillan, Brown, Taylor-Sinclair, Ambrose, Forrest. Booked: Devlin, Serrano. Referee: Kevin Clancy.