LIVINGSTON EARN A STAY
EVEN Livingston manager Davie Martindale acknowledged that this result is only likely to be a stay of execution.
Ross County were expected to hammer the final nail into the Lions’ Premiership coffin yesterday, but instead the hosts defied a wretched run of form to claim only their fourth victory of the season.
Bruce Anderson and Sean Kelly goals either side of the interval ensured the gap at the basement was reduced to nine points on the Staggies, who themselves squandered a chance to climb out of the relegation zone.
Livingston live to fight another day, although their fate could be sealed next weekend when they travel to Motherwell.
‘It gives you hope but I’ve also got to be pragmatic,’ remarked Martindale. ‘Winning isn’t going to change the way I think about the game.
‘I’m not delusional and we know the task. We have only ourselves to blame but we dug out three points and that’s all you can do. It’s how I’ve operated at Livi for the last eight years.’
Livingston were worthy winners with a performance that was a throwback to happier times when they punched above their weight to finish in the top six.
However, the satisfaction derived from the success was not enough to suppress Martindale’s (right) overwhelming sense of regret at how the season has panned out.
‘I’m not really happier, no,’ he added. ‘I’m probably a bit more positive than if I hadn’t won. But am I happier going home in the car or waking up Sunday morning? You have to piece the whole season together and it’s been disappointing.’
Livingston started on the front foot and got