Martindale tells Lions: Get up and fight
David Martindale insists his Livingston players have no choice but to pick themselves up from their top-six heartache after conceding they are now in a relegation dogfight.
The Lions came within seconds of sealing a berth in the top half of the table but were left devastated by Ricki Lamie’s injury-time equaliser that earned Motherwell a spot at their expense.
Livingston were deservedly in command with goals from Odin Bailey and Alan Forrest before Callum Slattery and Lamie left the hosts floored.
Martindale, whose team are eight points ahead of the relegation zone with five games left, said: “We have to pick ourselves up, we’ve no choice. We’re in a relegation battle now, let’s be honest.
“There is a 15-point swing at stake so you’re in a relegation battle.
“I think you have to watch what you say on days like today, emotions take over.
“It’s a season-defining goal. Instead of celebrating and praising the players
and staff we’re coming out and being a wee bit negative, not a wee bit but hugely negative and that’s the difference.
“Fair play to Scottish football because it’s been an exciting league and we have five games to finish the best of the rest and that’s how I see it.”
Martindale is now hoping for a favourable fixture list when the SPFL publish the details of the remaining games.
He added: “Looking at the bottom six, we’ve actually played four of the five away from home twice. I think Aberdeen is the only team we’ve not played away from home twice.
“Hopefully the draw is kind to us. Hopefully you are looking at three
home games, especially when four of those teams you are due to play at home. But obviously it can’t work out like that.”
Martindale admits his team had to do better for both goals, saying: “A minute from top six, you don’t defend your area. It’s happened on a few occasions this year to be honest.
“It’s near enough the last kick of the ball, you lose a goal and you’re out of the top six.”