Martindale: Europe has to be the aspiration for Livingston

Livingston manager David Martindale saw his side win at Pittodrie to continue their unbeaten run – and admitted that European football was now their target.

An own goal from Joe Lewis put Livingston ahead against Aberdeen and a Nicky Devlin header secured a 2-0 win that moved the side to within five points of fourth place.

With the team putting in eye-catching performances week in, week out, Martindale said that the hopes for the season had to be ambitious.

“If we can keep the going to the end of the season it would be nice,” he said.

“We spoke as a group collectively on Monday about how not finishing in the top six after getting to a national cup final would be a disappointment. After the split, who knows what can happen.

“Europe has to be an aspiration.

“I thought we were fairly comfortable in the game. Apart from the one shot off the bar I don’t think the goalkeeper had a lot to do.

“The first goal probably changes the game slightly and when we get the second it’s a fantastic header. That lets us change our game plan and invite Aberdeen on to us, which allowed us to press on to them.”

Aberdeen fell to fourth place with the defeat and are now in Livingston’s sights and manager Derek McInnes admitted his side got off to a terrible start but he was unhappy at a decision that went against his side.

Lewis Ferguson’s powerful shot came down off the bar and McInnes believed it crossed the line before bouncing back, though the match officials didn’t agree.

“The goal should stand,” he said. “I’ve seen it again but I didn’t need to. It was a clear goal.

“We spoke in the warm-up about the conditions and the need for concentration. It was difficult to get any sort of rhythm.

“The opening goal unnerved us. It was a terrible goal to lose and the second was just as bad. Half-time couldn’t come quick enough.

“Nobody will give us a chance against Hibs on Saturday. It’ll require a big performance and it’s a big game for us.”