Martindale eyes appointment as Livingston get back on track
First league win in six has Lions roaring
LIVINGSTON...................... 2 DUNDEE UNITED .............. 0 Callum Carson
David Martindale knows he’s done his chances of being appointed head coach no harm after picking up Livi’s first league win in two months.
So much so that the interim boss joked about starting a protest against the board if he’s not handed the role.
Goals from Scott Pittman and Marvin Bartley helped guide them to victory and make it two wins from two since he’s taken charge following Gary Holt’s exit.
The visitors were without nine self-isolating players but still fielded a strong line-up with only Nicky Clark, Paul McMullan and the suspended Calum Butcher missing from their previous fixture.
The bench, however, featured six teenagers yet to make their United debuts.
It was perhaps, then, no surprise the hosts finished strongly following a first half in which the Arabs enjoyed plenty of the play.
A delighted Martindale commented: “I thought the boys were brilliant. In the first 25 minutes, both teams were having a go at each other, from then on I thought we dominated with our style.
“I don’t think they created that much and I told the boys at half- time to keep doing what they’re doing.
“The intensity was there, it was there last week and we’ve got back to understanding what is needed to win games.”
As for his own position, he added: “I’ve said that I would like the job but if they see me staying in my current role I’m more than happy to do that.
“I want to do what’s right for the club. This club has been unbelievable for me so whatever the club decides, I’ll go along with.
“If results like this don’t work in your favour though, you need to get rid of the chief executive and chairman. I’d need to start a protest.”
The opening phases were played in torrential rain with both sides struggling to control the ball, never mind do anything of note with it.
The game’s first chance arrived from a set-piece on 12 minutes when Adrian Sporle’s free- kick had Max Stryjek scrambling but it drifted wide.
Livi had plenty of joy down the left with Julien Serrano and Alan Forrest getting in behind the defence - only for the final ball to be lacking.
While the home side enjoyed a fair share of possession, it wasn’t until the 42nd minute that they fashioned their first chance as Jon Guthrie nodded a Josh Mullin free-kick wide.
The second half started in much the same fashion although United keeper Benji Siegrist did have to come to his side’s rescue to deny Bartley on 55 minutes.
The stopper could do nothing two minutes later as Pittman collected the ball 40 yards out before surging forward and unleashing a fizzing strike into the bottom corner.
The goal appeared to galvanise the Lions as Guthrie and Mullin both went close prior to Bartley easing the nerves with Livi’s second.
The skipper acrobatically fired home from close range following Mullin’s corner.
Lawrence Shankland and Mark Connolly would both squander chances to get United back into the game as the hosts held on for the three points.
Martindale added: “The clean sheet was the most pleasing aspect.
“It’s coming from the front now. You’re not just relying on your defenders and Marvin Bartley.
“You can see the work ethic right through the team.”