Sad Hibees can’t lace Efe’s boots
Livi polish off Jack’s flops to seal another win:
JOSH MULLIN admits he was a sucker for David Martindale’s powers of persuasion when he returned to Livingston on transfer-deadline day in October.
But three months on the flying Lion couldn’t be happier with his decision as the Almondvale club eye silverware and another top-five finish off the back of an incredible run under the new boss.
The powerful tone of Martindale’s voice has been one of the enduring features of a crowdless season. And wide man Mullin can testify to its influence better than most after being coaxed back for a second spell with the club just two years after leaving for Ross County.
Mullin was a standout as Livi flew out the blocks to thrash Hibs at Easter Road and make it seven wins from seven games in charge for Martindale.
A stunning opening goal, an assist for the second and a ferocious first-half display that could have had poor Lewis Stevenson begging not to return after the break proved his importance to this impressive Livi outfit.
And the 28-year-old revealed how he might have been plying his trade elsewhere but for Martindale’s influence.
Mullin said: “He was a massive part in me coming back. I’ve got a great relationship with Davie. I kept in touch with him when I was away and as soon as he knew I was away from County he was on the phone.
“I was going to take my time but I went in to see him and sat down with him. And he’s persuasive! He’s like he is on the sidelines, he doesn’t give up easily.
“When I went in to see him, it felt right to go back. I didn’t think I’d maybe go back as soon as I did but I haven’t looked back since.
“I had belief in myself and there was a bit of talk of a few other things for me. But Davie heard I was down the road and said, ‘ Come and meet me for a coffee.’ I went to meet him, walked in and he was sitting with a pen out!
“We had a good chat, it all seemed good and thankfully it’s turned out that way. Things have changed at the club since the last time I was here, it’s definitely going in the right direction.
“And you’ve all seen it in the past few weeks, we’re not just going back to front, it’s more about getting the ball down and playing.
“I’ve got a great relationship with Nicky Devlin and I feel secure with what we’re doing on that side of the park. I’m enjoying it and desperate to get on the ball as much as I can and make things happen. We’ve had a lot of joy.”
It took just nine minutes for Mullin to break the deadlock at Easter Road.
Marvin Bartley’s header was brilliantly diverted into his path by Scott Robinson and Mullin hardly broke stride before unleashing a superb half-volley across Dillon Barnes and in at the far corner.
Eight minutes later it was 2-0 when Mullin’s corner was flapped into the air by Barnes and eventually fell for Jon Guthrie to slam home from inside the six-yard box.
The Lions were rampant and Mullin came close with a curling 20-yarder before seeing Barnes tip his low effort around the post just before the interval.
Hibs were still to register a shot when Livi made it 3-0 in the 48th minute.
A simple punt down the middle of the park caught out Ryan Porteous and Paul Hanlon as Robinson nipped in and, despite slipping, he still managed to regain control of the ball and poke it through Barnes’ legs.
It was horrendous defending from Jack Ross’ side who never looked like scoring until injury-time when Porteous headed a Mallan free- kick wide, unchallenged, from eight yards.
Livi jump above Dundee United into fifth and are now just nine points off Hibs with two games in hand.
It’s a far cry from the run of one point from five games that saw Gary Holt resign in November.
Mullin said: “When we were on our bad run we sat down and had a meeting, everyone spoke a few home truths and the boys have responded well.
“We’ll remember that feeling, what it was like, but at the same time we’re winning games and embracing it.
“When we sat down and sorted it out the players were as vocal as the manager. Everything that was said was taken on board.
“It’s not about looking ahead, it’s just seeing the next game in front of you. We’ve got a massive run coming up. And when you’re winning, you just want to keep playing games.”