in to be the late hero for Saints
yourself forward to do the best every day.”
This was never likely to be pretty. Livingston’s up-and-atthem style out of possession combined with the barren Mcdiarmid Park surface underfoot and the blustery conditions overhead ensured it wasn’t a day for silky soccer.
With both sides deploying similar formations, it meant personal duels all over the pitch. Early on there was no quarter asked, no quarter given, as both sets of players bristled with energy and intent, but failed to match their effort with quality.
The impression with this Livingston team is they relish defending, revel in the act of throwing legs into challenges and hurling their bodies in the way of shots. They had plenty of that to do, but that’s not to say they don’t attack.
Throughout a pretty turgid opening period, it was the Lions who created the better opportunities. Steven Lawless’ first-time volley drew an excellent fingertip save from Zander Clark after Liam Gordon had been short with a header back to his goalkeeper. Then Lawless speared a low shot just beyond the far post after a defence-splitting pass from captain Marvin Bartley.
Only once did Saints threaten with any intent before Hendry’s winner. Jason Kerr’s first-half cross was flicked on by Stevie May but Robby Mccrorie was equal to the header as he beat it away theatrically.
The second half was a nonevent until the final throes of a desolate encounter. Even when Drey Wright sprinted into space on the right flank there appeared little to danger the resolute Livi rearguard, but he bulleted his cross into the danger area and Hendry arrived at pace to power in from six yards out.