Livingston boss heaps praise on side's response despite Hearts defeat

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Livingston boss David Martindale hailed his team's response to scathing criticism from the gaffer after last week's defeat to Motherwell.The Lions suffered a 2-1 loss at home to Hearts this afternoon but put in a spirited display that looked far more like the ones produced time and time again over previous seasons that has allowed them to punch above their weight in the top flight.Martindale made five changes from that 3-1 loss at Fir Park, in which he called the defending 'diabolical' and he admitted stern words were spoken after the game - including making it clear that anyone not willing to fight for the cause can depart West Lothian.He said: "I could have went to a funeral and been more upbeat after Motherwell, it was horrific.“There were some harsh words on Saturday and Sunday.

I was harsh after the game but they needed it, there needed to be a few home truths.“I spoke to them after Motherwell and said, ‘anyone that is not up for this fight to save this football club and to keep us in the Premiership, just get your agents to phone me.

Because if you do not want to outrun, outfight and outwork other players, I don’t want you at the club – just find another club’.“Today was a big ask on the players and they showed that they are up for the fight.“I’ve been an underdog most of my life, if I get beat I’ll go down swinging and fighting and take it on the chin.

But we need the changing room and today that showed after Saturday that they are up for the fight."I think the boys who came into the starting line-up today were tremendous.