‘Toothless’ Lions got what they deserved: boss
Davie Martindale admits he could have no complaints after Livingston left Tynecastle empty handed following a 2-0 loss to Hearts.
The Lions boss was critical of his team’s “t o o t h l e s s” first-half display after they went behind to Beni Baningime’s third minute effort.
Barrie Mckay sealed the win on a comfortable afternoon for the hosts with a sublime volley after the break.
Ma r t i n d a l e, w h o s e team slipped to sixth in the Premiership, admits it was a bad day at the office for his side.
He said: “Hear ts deserved the three points. In the first half, we were very lethargic, toothless, too passive, we gave them too much respect and we were playing as individuals today.
“We had worked on it but we didn’t deal with it very well in the first half.
“We were quite fortunate to be only one goal down in the first half because Hearts got in behind us on a number of occasions.
“In the second half, although Barrie scored an incredible goal it was against the run of play slightly. Overall, we probably deserved a little bit more in the second half, although I don’t think we deserved more from the game.
“We had a few chances to get back into the game. I was pleased with the second- half performance and the way they reacted.”
“I’ve got to give Hearts credit. Offensively Hearts were very good. Their use of the ball, tempo and intensity was very good. I don’t think we dealt with it very well.”
Mckay’s volley from inside the box was the highlight of the game and Martindale insists the former Ra n g e r s, Nottingham Forest and Swansea player could easily be playing at a higher level.
He added: “I think we are lucky to have Barrie Mckay in the Premiership
“He’s a fantastic player and I can’t believe he’s still not playing in the English Championship.
“If you look at his finish, it was unbelievable technique the way he connected with it. He’s a massive, massive threat.”
Martindale, meanwhile, admitted that leading scorer Bruce Anderson was facing a race against time to play again this season after revealing he could be sidelined for up to eight weeks with an ankle injury sustained in training on Tuesday.
Ma r t i n d a l e added: “Brucie is going to be long term. We will be lucky to see him again this season.
“There’s been a massive improvement and he looks as if he’s going to be a quick healer. But best case scenario you are looking at six weeks. More probable about eight.”