By Ian Steven
Livingston are the only unbeaten side in the Championship, but boss David Martindale felt they were sloppy as they drew 0-0 at Partick Thistle.
It wasn’t a thriller in Maryhill, and Martindale described it as a ‘blood and guts’ encounter, but with leaders Ayr losing to Falkirk, Livingston are the only side in the second tier yet to suffer defeat.
The Lions could have won the match, as substitute Cristian Montano infused some much-needed creativity, setting up a late Liam Sole effort that was headed off the line by Lee Ashcroft.
Ryan McGowan headed agonisingly wide of the upright in stoppage time, leaving the game goal-less, and Martindale dispirited, ahead of Tuesday’s crunch rivalry match at Falkirk.
“I’m not really happy with how we played, if I’m honest,” groaned the Livi gaffer.
“I thought it was blood and guts. We defended very, very well. They asked a lot of questions of us. A lot of balls into the box.
“They were pretty direct, first contacts, second contacts, and pressed us well, but I thought we had the better chances in the game.
“We created better entries in the second half, but it was a very transitional game.
“I think we’ve got to look after the ball a wee bit better. I think they’ve been sloppy.”
Martindale was pleased with how substitutes Montano, Andy Winter and Liam Sole fared at Firhill.
“We’ve probably got one of the better squads in the league,” said Martindale. “Every team in the league has a good 13 or 14, I genuinely do believe we’ve got a really, really strong 20.
“In most weeks the subs have had an impact in the game. So Andy had a wee chance, Liam Sole had a wee chance. I thought Cristian Montano played extremely well, got good entries down that left-hand side in the second half.
“That was a difficult game of football. You’re coming away with the positives.
“I thought their back four, defensively, were very, very good. Two centre-backs especially were very dominant in the air and won a lot of first contacts. I don’t think the midfield picked up enough second balls.
“But you start with a clean sheet, you end with a clean sheet, you’ve got a point away from home and another clean sheet, so there’s probably a lot to like about it.
“It was a roll-your-sleeves-up kind of game. Go and try to win your duels. But I thought it was a decent game for 0-0, if I’m honest.”