Top six is our priority
Livi gaffer sets his sights on top half of league
Livingston boss David Martindale has admitted that slipping out of the top six would spoil their season.
The Lions were sitting in 10th place with just three wins from 15 games when Martindale took over from Gary Holt, but an 11-game unbeaten league run has seen them rise to fifth and firmly in the mix for a European place.
Livi continued their incredible run – which includes sealing a place in the Betfred Cup final – on Tuesday with a 2-0 win at Aberdeen.
It was the Lions’ first win in Pittodrie since 2004 as an early Joe Lewis own goal was added to by Nicky Devlin.
And the gaffer insists they are now in a position where failing to finish in the top six would be a huge disappointment and hinted that they have an eye on sealing European qualification.
Following the victory over the Dons, he said: “It has to be an aspiration to finish in top six. We spoke about that on Monday and how we would feel it was a poor season if we don’t get that.
“We would be disappointed at the end of the season even though we have got to a cup final, which we have no guarantee of winning.
“We want to be in the top six and if we can do that, then you never know what can happen.”
Reflecting on the victory over Aberdeen, he said: “We were fairly comfortable, we scored two good goals. Apart from the one Aberdeen hit the bar with, the keeper didn’t have much to do.
“We forced them into making mistakes and that was part of our game plan.
“I was really proud of the players. It has always been a difficult place to come to, I think we have had one 0-0 draw since I got involved here. Aberdeen are a big club and they are the only club in the Premiership we haven’t beaten, so it’s good to do that.”