Martindale is left full of pride as
DAVID MARTINDALE jogged on to the pitch, arms waving furiously towards Livingston’s supporters, and made his way straight to Max Stryjek to shake his hand.
How fitting that the goalkeeper who sinned against Aberdeen last week turned into a saint against St Mirren.
The Pole’s gaffe in stoppage-time gifted victory to the Dons in their Premiership clash but he redeemed himself here by saving a sudden-death spot-kick to seal Livi’s place in the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup.
Alan Forrest’s first-half goal was cancelled out by Saints sub Conor McCarthy’s effort eight minutes from the end of regulation time.
But Stryjek held his nerve in the shoot-out to deny
Kyle McAlister, much to the delight of his manager. ‘I thought the big man was brilliant,’ said Martindale, whose side defeated St Mirren in last season’s semi-final. ‘I thought his two saves in the shoot-out were superb, especially the second one from McAllister.
‘He cost us three points last week but I still never thought about replacing him. He has really become a leader for us this season and I have been so impressed with him since pre-season.
‘He has become one of the main players for us and is now one of the first names on the teamsheet.’
Martindale handed a debut to winger Odin Bailey, who joined on loan from Birmingham City this week.
The 21-year-old almost made an instant impact after 14 minutes when he cut in from the right but his effort flew wide of the post.
Saints should have taken the lead on 21 minutes. A cross into the box saw the ball drop to Greg Kiltie, who had acres of space to fire a shot. However, he hesitated, took a touch and Stryjek saved.
Jim Goodwin suffered a blow just before the halfhour mark when defender