Martindale has ‘fire in belly’ as Livi hold County-ZoomTech News

Livingston supervisor David Martindale says he has “fireplace again in his stomach” and can push on to the tip of the season as his aspect claimed a dramatic late level towards fellow Scottish Premiership strugglers Ross County.

However Martindale’s aspect confirmed they’re nonetheless preventing for his or her beleaguered supervisor by hauling themselves degree simply three minutes later, when Jason Holt’s cross was headed in by substitute Dan MacKay.

It was the second time Livingston managed to battle again from a purpose down, having allowed Murray to creep behind their defence and fireplace within the opening purpose earlier than the break.

However Scott Pittman stabbed residence from contained in the field after a knock down from Kurtis Guthrie to make sure this important recreation was degree by half-time.

“I used to be down on Saturday however half an hour after doing the tv I had the fireplace again in my stomach able to struggle,” Martindale advised BBC Scotland.

“I would like all people to know me and my employees are right here to matchday 38. We’ll take care of no matter on matchday 38. We’ll give it every thing we have to remain on this league.”

The importance of the sport was mirrored within the sides’ method after the interval as each surged ahead and created good possibilities to nudge in entrance.

County’s Jordan White might have scored from shut vary, and one of the best of Livingston’s possibilities fell to Bruce Anderson contained in the field, however the striker couldn’t end from eight yards.

After that chance got here and went it was appeared inevitable Livingston can be punished for his or her profligacy, and a minute later Murray managed a cross and smashed the ball past goalkeeper Michael McGovern.

It might have marked the start of the tip for Livingston within the prime flight, however an ideal cross from Joel Nouble, Holt’s inspiration and MacKay’s correct header retains their struggle for survival alive.

Martindale’s aspect are nonetheless backside of the desk and haven’t gained any of their previous 15 league video games, however the hole to County, winless in seven in all competitions and within the relegation play-off spot, stays six factors.

Albeit, Derek Adams’ aspect have two video games in hand.

Participant of the match – Scott Pittman

Livingston nonetheless preventing, County questions – evaluation

Given their respective poor runs and what was at stake, it was a credit score to each groups that they attacked the sport and produced an entertaining match.

After hinting his time could also be up following Saturday’s defeat by Dundee, Martindale then mentioned he would “come out swinging” and hold preventing to maintain Livingston within the league, his greatest problem but in his practically 4 years in cost.

Twice coming from behind and the depth of this efficiency recommend his gamers are with him on that, and so they created sufficient alternatives to win.

The issue is that they nonetheless look brief in each containers. Murray’s second purpose got here because of defenders fully lacking a cross and leaving the striker unmarked on the again put up.

And up the opposite finish they had been profligate. Whether or not the supervisor can come up some signings earlier than Thursday’s switch deadline stays to be seen, given his repeated feedback about having little finances to work with, whereas additionally failing to draw gamers to a struggling aspect.

Ross County additionally performed some good stuff and created possibilities, however they’re but to win since Adams left mouths gaping in December together with his feedback a few lack of high quality in his squad, and in Scottish soccer typically.

He has introduced in new recruits to handle that, and Saturday’s slim defeat at Celtic Park and this efficiency confirmed enchancment. However till they get a victory there’ll at all times be the query of whether or not the gamers are behind the supervisor after two controversial outbursts.

Yan Dhanda’s future can be essential. The midfielder has agreed to hitch Hearts subsequent season and he excelled once more. Ought to Hearts are available with a suggestion to take him to Tynecastle earlier than the tip of the winter window, County’s fortunes would certainly undergo.

What the managers mentioned

Livingston supervisor David Martindale: “It was too open for my liking. The plan wasn’t to be open, however I can perceive it. It took them scoring for the boys to cool down. There was stress, frustration and anxiousness there. We had lots alternatives to go on and win and the boys must take enormous credit score to come back again from a dropping place twice.”

Ross County supervisor Derek Adams: “We scored a incredible purpose, an outrageous end to place us forward. We might have gone additional forward however we did not and allowed Livingston again within the recreation. That was tough for us. Entering into at 1-0 would have given us a bonus. The second half was a basketball match. With two minutes to go, we’ve to do higher.”

What’s subsequent?

Ross County host the aspect straight above them, St Johnstone, on Saturday in one other large recreation (15:00 GMT), in the meantime Livingston journey to Ibrox to face Rangers on the similar time.