Martindale feels something special brewing in West
Hibernian 2 1
THE contrasting views of the opposing managers summed up this game perfectly.
Livingston boss Davie Martindale talked about ‘something special’ brewing at the West Lothian club after watching his side record a fourth straight win over their Leith counterparts, goals from Joel Nouble - a stunning solo effort - and Ayo Obileye bookending a Nohan Kenneh equaliser.
His Hibernian counterpart Lee Johnson pulled no punches about his team’s display, confessing that too many of his players got ‘ burned’.
“I think there’s something special happening at Livingston with this group of players,” said Martindale, whose team have picked up six points from three games and likened them to the class of 2020.
“It’s a bit like the year we had Lyndon Dykes up front and finished fifth when Covid got it closed down early doors.
“I think we would have finished higher that season and maybe got into Europe. We have a special squad of players at the club just now. I’m going to let the window shut then I’ll start speaking to players to get them tied up a bit longer.”
There was little between the teams during a highly competitive start to the game before Nouble pounced to score a stunning solo effort in the sixth minute.
Jason Holt took the ball off the feet of Kenneh from a slack Marijan Cabraja pass and fed the bustling striker. Nouble still had plenty of running to do to get near the box but he encountered next to no resistance from the Hibs rearguard as he weaved his way into the box before cooly finishing beyong David Marshall.
That got the Lions’ tails up and Hibs had to soak up incessant pressure. The home side should have doubled their lead in the 32nd minute. Hibs defender
Chris Cadden stumbled on the ball, giving possession to Nouble, but after the striker slipped the ball through Ryan Porteous his low left-footed drive was well saved by Marshall.
In a frustrating first period, Hibs registered their first shot on target in the 45th minute when Doidge’s team header was collected by Shamal George.
Martin Boyle came on for Jair Tavares at the break and Hibs began the second half like a team that has been given the hair-dryer treatment by boss Johnson. After piling on the pressure Kenneh headed home the equaliser in the 51st minute after Paul Hanlon’s initial header from Joe Newell’s freekick was saved.
Referee Craig Napier had his
work cut out trying to maintain control as tensions ran high on and off the pitch. Boyle and Cristian Montano were booked for a coming together.
Napier then waved Hibs’ claims for a penalty away after Boyle went down under a challenge from Stephane Omeonga. That led to a furious exchange between the rival managers on the touchline, with Davie Martindale and Johnson both being booked.
Hibs bombarded the Livingston box with crosses and corners but Livingston held firm before forcing their way back into the game. And after Bruce Anderson had an effort brilliantly saved, Obileye headed in a Sean Kelly cross into the net in the 86th minute.
Hibs substitute Momodou
Bojang then wasted a great chance to earn a point in injury-time.
Johnson refused to sugar-coat the display from his team.
“That was typical of the tough nature of Scottish football,” he said. “You have to give credit to the opposition. I’m really disappointed with our start. We played into their hands. I thought we were sloppy.
“It took until half time to get us going and I don’t think I should have to do that, chuck out the hair dryer, change the tactics too often to get a performance, which I thought was very good.
“I just made a really bad analogy, you ask a toddler to make a cup of tea, they get burned. A few of ours got burned today.”