It became a Long way back for Livi after Sarkic howler
MOTHERWELL manager Stephen Robinson will ignore speculation linking him with the Hearts hot-seat and celebrate his side being in third place.
And as he enjoyed his Saturday night glass of wine he will be able to toast match-winner Allan Campbell and his Steelmen as they continue to defy the odds as the Premiership’s third force.
It’s little wonder Robinson is many people’s tip to take over from the sacked Craig Levein at Tynecastle given the remarkable job he has done at Fir Park.
Motherwell remain in third spot after goals from Christopher Long and Campbell sealed the win, with Livingston sub Steven Lawless scoring from the penalty spot with his first touch.
Robinson admitted there’s been no contact from Hearts and brushed off the speculation over his future, saying: “I don’t need to deal with the speculation. I am just delighted we are third in the league. I’m going to enjoy my Saturday night. I’m going to watch the semi-final and have a glass of wine and enjoy it. That’s how I’ll deal with it!”
Livingston were the more threatening in the first half with the impressive Scott Tiffoney being denied in the fifth minute by a wonderful Declan Gallagher block as he diverted the striker’s shot over the crossbar.
Tiffoney then created a chance for himself as his quick feet took him away from a couple of challenges but his low shot was turned round the post by Mark Gillespie.
Motherwell came close to the opener in the 37th minute when Devante Cole laid the ball off into the path of Long and his snapshot from the edge of the penalty area was turned round the post by Matija Sarkic.
Livingston’s goalkeeper would have wished he’d done the same just 120 seconds into the second half when he blundered to allow Long to score.
Liam Polworth played the ball out to Long, who darted into the box and then unleashed a shot that should have been comfortably stopped by Sarkic but he let it squirm under his body and over the line.
Livingston were presented with the chance to draw level from the penalty spot after Devante Cole barged into the back of Tiffoney.
As soon as referee Euan Anderson pointed to the spot, Livingston boss Gary Holt signalled to bring on Lawless from the bench to replace Keaghan Jacobs. Lawless went on, took the ball, placed it on the spot and thumped it past Gillespie.
Motherwell, however, were not to be denied the win that would keep them in third place.
Robinson brought on Sheerin Seedorf and the winger created space on the edge of the penalty area to tee up Polworth. The midfielder’s shot was blocked, but it broke to Campbell and he produced a clinical finish to seal the win.
Robinson was thrilled with the character of his side. He said: “I have to credit the players. It was a great result, but not a great game. Livi make it like that sometimes and I admire that. They are really difficult to break down.
“I told the players good teams always find a way to break them down and they found a way.
“We were patient and moved the ball and I told them if they kept moving it they would eventually switch off and that’s what happened.
“A little bit of magic from Sherwin was what it took. And Mark Gillespie had to pull off a great save too. I’m delighted with the performance.
“It wasn’t a great game, but we showed steely determination to deal with what Livingston were throwing at us. The boys deserve a lot of credit.”