Livi boss kept the faith despite falling behind
Second-half goalfest sees Lions march on in cup
Three second-half goals saw Livingston avoid a Scottish Cup shock at Stenhousemuir – but boss David Martindale admitted he wasn’t concerned as they trailed at half-time.
The League Two hosts opened the scoring through a Nicky Jamieson header against the run of play on 26 minutes.
The Warriors held on until the break but a three-goal seven-minute blitz just after the interval ensured Livi’s safe passage into the last-16.
A home clash with Inverness Caledonian Thistle or Queen’s Park now stands in the way of the Lions and a first Scottish Cup quarter-final berth in 18 years.
Scott Pittman got the ball rolling with a fine finish from the edge of the box on 52 minutes before Steven Bradley opened his account with a free-kick from 25 yards that left Stenny keeper Jay Cantley with no chance.
And the ex-Hibs man quickly made it a double with a smart finish just before the hour mark.
Martindale said: “I genuinely wasn’t concerned at half-time. Fair play to Stenhousemuir – they were really difficult to break down during that first 45 minutes.
“I’ve been the underdog before and it gives you something to hang on to.
“I was always confident we’d go out and get a goal. We just needed to move the ball a wee bit quicker because we were a bit passive but that was down to Stenhousemuir’s shape.”
He added: “Their tactical knowledge and game management was very, very good. We dominated large spells but credit to Stenhousemuir because I thought they gave a good account of themselves.”
Bradley earned special praise for his match-winning double with Martindale admitting he had words for the winger during the interval.
He said: “I think his overall play has been very, very good. I’m really happy with Steven.
“I had a nip at him at halftime if I’m honest and I got the reaction I wanted because I thought he was one of our best players in the second-half.”