Martindale has a plot on his plate

Livingston sealed cup progress then gaffer David Martindale began plotting a shock result against Rangers next weekend.

The Lions squeezed into the last 16 with a first-half penalty from Sean Kelly and Phillip Cancar’s late second.

But after the game, Martindale’s thoughts turned to a Premiership opener against Gio van Bronckhorst ’s Light Blues, where he’s bracing himself for a massive step up in quality.

Martindale said: “It’s a clean sheet, two goals and we’re into the next round.

“I think that’s maybe seven years in a row we’ve qualified and that was the objective. I thought Kelty did well and it’s difficult to play against a low block but let’s not kid each other on, I’ll probably be doing that next week.

“I had a team shape in my mind when the game against Rangers was announced and that’s not changed – I’ll go with two banks of five and two goalies I think!

“We’ll obviously go and try to get something out of the game, we’ve done it in the past. But I do think Rangers are a different animal.

“There has been a progression with Gio and they’ve got momentum.”

Cristian Montaño will be a doubt for the visit of Rangers after being subbed with a head knock just six minutes in.

The Lions shrugged off that blow to take the lead after just 11 minutes when Kelly converted from the spot after Alfie Agyeman had clipped the heels of Cancar, Montano’s replacement.

Livi were subdued but finally sealed the win they needed 13 minutes from time when sub Stephane Omeonga’s cutback was blasted into the net by the supporting Cancar.

Kelty started with a patched-up defence then lost Nathan Austin and Robbie McNab to injuries.

Boss John Potter said: “We’re really short in numbers.”