Livingston got back to winning ways thanks to a hard fought 2-1 home victory over Airdrieonians on Tuesday night.
Lewis Strapp had a debut to forget for the visitors as he turned Cristian Montano’s fifth minute cross into his own net for the opener. The former Morton man was then stretchered off after a collision with Rhys McCabe before the interval.
Chris Mochrie had equalised in between with a composed finish across goal as the sides went into the half-time break level.
Robbie Fraser turned out to be the Lions hero as the 21-year-old rocketed home a 60th minute strike to ensure three points and mark his home debut in style.
The victory, which comes after three straight losses, moves them to within four points of Falkirk in the race for the title.
Needing a fast start after their poor run of form, the hosts provided just that as they took a fortunate lead on five minutes – and they had the ball in the net moments later only for Fraser’s header to be ruled out for a foul on Diamonds keeper Kieran Wright.
Having weathered the early storm, Airdrie hit back and levelled things when skipper Adam Frizzell sent Mochrie through with the attacker firing across Jerome Prior and into the far corner.
Searching for a way back in front, Jamie Brandon almost provided the inspiration but saw his audacious long range effort fly narrowly past the woodwork.
Livi controlled most of the remainder of the first half but were unable to break down the Diamonds. Scott Pittman, sitting one shy of 50 goals for the club, saw his effort blocked while Fraser was proving a constant threat down the left – but with no takers whenever he delivered the ball into the box.
He tried his luck himself in first half injury-time but saw his thunderous drive palmed away by Wright.
Martindale’s side started the second half brightly and almost pounced on a slack defensive pass by Mason Hancock to get themselves back in front.
They didn’t have to wait too long for that goal, however, as Stephen Kelly spotted the wide open Fraser on the left just shy of the hour mark with the on loan Rangers man duly rifling beyond Wright for the winner.
A delighted Martindale admitted it was a much needed win, and heaped praise on Fraser after his first senior goal.
He said: “It was a good three points and I thought we started the game well before being a wee bit slack at times.
“I thought we had more than enough chance to win the game and that’s a part where we probably need to do better as a group. We lacked a wee bit of composure in the final third so as much as I felt we deserved to win the game, we created enough chances for the game to be a wee bit easier.”
He added: “That was one of the reasons I brought Robbie in. He was involved in a lot of our good play and I thought he and Cristian (Montano) teamed up really well down the left hand side.
“You could see how much it meant to Robbie, which was nice. It’s as if he’s been in with us since last year. It meant a lot to him to get that goal.”
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