‘The good, the bad, and the Livi, in one half’
Davie Martindale insists the first half at Tynecastle summed up Livingston’s sorry season after they threw away a two-goal lead.
Stephen Kelly’s brace had the Lions heading for their first league win since October.
But Hearts fought back in devastating fashion to score through Jorge Grant, Yutaro Oda, Cammy Devlin and Lawrence Shankland before the break.
The defeat leaves the West Lothian outfit nine points adrift at the basement.
Martindale said: “What you saw in the first half was the story of our season played out in 45 minutes.
“We started the game really well and should have scored a third when Tete (Yengi) was clean through against Craig Gordon.
“That was an unbelievable chance. “Stephen came up with two good goals. To give Hearts their due, they scored two decent goals but we gifted them the goals.
“The good and bad of Livingston. You saw it all in 45 minutes.
“I don’t think I have ever come to Tynecastle and created so many chances. But I have never come here and conceded that many chances at the same time.
“We gifted them two goals. From having a two-goal advantage, we come in at half time two goals down and we have only got ourselves to blame.”
The second period was less than eventful although Livi striker Tete Yengi was shown a second yellow just seconds after being substituted because he kicked a water bottle in frustration in his own dugout.
Martindale added: “The kid comes off the park frustrated, he’s kicked one of our bottles.
“He’s kicked it into our dugout, I just think there has to be a bit of common sense applied. There is no explanation, you are not allowed to do it.
“You are bottom of the league, fighting for survival, you are 2-0 up and losing 4-2, he gets substituted and I think common sense has to be applied.
“I’m not saying what he’s done is right, but I think you need to give him some leeway.
“We’re down to the bare bones as it is so he’s let us down as well.”