RAGING ROBINSON THREATENS TO WIELD THE AXE

FURIOUS Stephen Robinson last night told his players they’ll face the axe if they continue to underperform for him. The Motherwell manager only pardoned Allan Campbell, Jordan White and David Turnbull from stinging criticism after they hung on for a point against Livingston. Warning the rest he’s had enough of excuses, Robinson said: ‘We got a point but that was the only thing I was happy with. We battled and some players were at the top of their game, guys like Allan Campbell, who it means everything to them when they put that shirt on. ‘Give me eleven Allan Campbells in the team. Leave him out and that’s the reaction you get. I have been patient with players but some of them were told tonight in no uncertain terms we are playing with seven men each week. ‘That won’t keep happening. People have bad games and make mistakes, but I saw some things tonight I simply won’t settle for. ‘This club has been good to people, it’s rescued careers and given them a platform. I don’t know if they are listening to agents, getting their heads filled with rubbish. But they need to do it here before anyone leaves this club.’

Livingston manager Gary Holt felt his side should have left Fir Park with their first win of the campaign. Defeated against St Mirren and Hibernian, the West Lothian side finally turned in the kind of display that’s typified them over the past few seasons. ‘I’m over the moon with the team,’ said Holt. ‘They showed the spirit that’s synonymous with us as a club. ‘We talked after Saturday’s game about taking the game by the scruff. Don’t just wait for a team-mate to do it. Go that extra yard, being prepared to be hurt, putting your body on the line. ‘You see them in the dressing room and they’re knackered. They’re burst. And that’s what we want. ‘I thought we probably deserved to win the game. ‘To come away from home, concede two poor goals, and come back each time was great.’ Holt lavished praise on Alan Forrest for the winger’s all-round play as well as his equalising goal. ‘His work-rate and third-man runs off the line were superb,’ he added. ‘He just needs the confidence to go and express himself. He can do it. ‘If he produces that level, he’ll stay in the team. I thought he was excellent.’