Martindale marvels as his Lions break Hearts
Delirious David Martindale saluted his Livingston warriors – and admitted it was nice to finally gain the upper hand on Craig Gordon.
Cristian Montano’s hotlydisputed 28th-minute goal was enough for Livi to end a run of three consecutive defeats and return to winning ways at the Tony Macaroni Arena.
Martindale said: “I’m absolutely delighted. We needed a big reaction from the players and I think we got that today.
“I don’t think Hearts had too many shots on target from memory.
“Craig Gordon pulls off two fantastic saves.
“Big Kurtis Guthrie gets the back-heel towards the end, which produces an incredible save from Craig.
“And then Scott Pittman hits one and Craig pulls a save out of thetopbin.
“Again, the story from before is that we’ve done very well against Hearts but come away with nothing because of Craig Gordon.
“So it’s pleasing that we’ve come away with all three points and Craig Gordon has still done quite well – and that’s why he’s Scotland’s No. 1 keeper.”
New midfield signing Stephen Kelly was on the bench for Livi while James Penrice and Esmael Goncalves both returned for the hosts. Striker Stephen Humphrys, on loan from English Championship outfit Wigan Athletic, made his debut for Hearts but fellow new recruit Orestis Kiomourtzoglou is still without a visa.
Martindale’s side were seeking to end a wretched run against their Edinburgh opponents, having enjoyed just one win in their past 20 topflight meetings with Hearts.
And they faced a Hearts side who were yet to keep a clean sheet since the start of the new Premiership campaign.
It was Robbie Neilson’s men, though, who began brightest. Defender Lewis Neilson hit an early diagonal switch to Gary Mackay-Steven, who wasted no time in crossing into the box for Humphrys.
But the Englishman couldn’t keep his effort down, and it sailed well over the bar without troubling Shamal George in the home goal.
Then, in 11 minutes, Jorge Grant should have broken the deadlock.
A lovely disguised pass from Barrie McKay cut open the home defence, but Grant lacked
composure inside eight yards and blazed woefully wide.
However, the hosts went ahead against the run of play just before the half-hour mark.
Jason Holt floated a free-kick deep into a packed-looking Hearts box. As the maroon jerseys stood still, Montano found acres of time and space to calmly steer home with his left foot to leave the watching Craig Gordon no chance.
Hearts appealed for offside but Humphrys clearly played Montano onside.
Soon after, Holt found himself in referee Willie Collum’s book for a late challenge on MacKay-Steven.
Then, in 37 minutes, Livi blew a golden opportunity at the other end to increase their lead.
Penrice’s ball into the box was inch-perfect for Goncalves. But with only Gordon to beat, the former Hearts forward dragged his shot wide from point-blank range.
Hearts found it hard to break down resolute Livi after the break.
Neilson made four substitutions including the introduction of Lawrence Shankland and Josh Ginnelly but still they couldn’t conjure up an equaliser.
In fact, Livi substitute Kurtis Guthrie came close to making it 2-0 with a 74th-minute backheel that Gordon clawed away and he did the same to deny Scott Pittman .