David Martindale believes the pressure is off his Livingston side after they booked their place in the Premiership play-off final with a comfortable victory over Partick Thistle.
The Lions progressed 4-0 on aggregate, securing a second 2-0 win with Jamie Brandon’s opener added to by Stevie May’s stunning half-volley.
They will now face either Dundee or Ross County over two legs, with their opponents to be determined by how the final day of the Premiership season transpires.
“I wasn’t pleased with the first half, there looked to be a bit of nervousness,” Martindale said.
“The opening goal settled us down and Stevie May’s scored a superb second but the players have done all I could have asked of them.
“It was all about getting through to the final – whether it’s Dundee or Ross County, I don’t care.
“We were the favourites to get through this play-off but that won’t be the case for the final, all of the pressure will be on the Premiership side.”
Off the pitch, there was good news for Livi prior to kick-off as the great-grandson of the Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford was named the new chairman of the club.
Calvin Ford became the majority stakeholder after acquiring 100 per cent of John McIlvogue’s shares in Baycup Ltd, which has held a significant shareholding in the club since the start of the 2023-24 season.
“We got good news, that’s us coming out of the dark ages a wee bit,” Martindale added.
“It’s been hell, torture. To bring someone in of that kind of ilk and business background is brilliant for the football club.
“I’ve always said, whoever comes in, if they want me to stay, then I’ll have the conversation. If they don’t want me to stay, then I’d gladly leave this football club.
“What Calvin has done is secured Livingston Football Club and put it into good hands — I’m irrelevant in all of this.”
Thistle interim co-boss Mark Wilson admits he is unsure as to what his future holds at Firhill.
Alongside Brian Graham, Wilson has guided the Firhill side to the play-offs courtesy of victories over Falkirk and Livingston, then mounting an inspired comeback in their quarter-final clash with Ayr.
They had their chances at the Home of the Set Fare Arena but found themselves with a mountain to climb when Brandon fired home the opening goal with five minutes remaining in the first half.
“I thought we started incredibly well, we built the play much better than the first leg and the boys were brave,” Wilson said.
“The players were a credit to the club and you saw the fans showing their appreciation at the end.
“It’s so important for this club to get into the Premiership so I can understand their frustrations but I hope they see the hard work which has been done.
“I think we’ve done all we could do, it’s been seven days a week and 12-hour days — we’ve done as much as we can do.”
[(Sanfrecce Hiroshima) Strength]: 1. Forward Kosuke Kinoshita has scored 6 goals for the team so far this season and is the top scorer of the team. He is still the best choice to start in this game.2. Sanfrecce Hiroshima drew 0-0 with Shimizu S-Pulse in their last game, ending their winning streak. However, the team have achieved an unbeaten record of 4 wins and 1 draw in their last 5 matches, sho...
[(Mallorca) Strength]: 1. Mallorca finished 10th in La Liga last season. This season, there have been few changes in their squad, and they have the potential to challenge for a place in European competitions. Facing FC Barcelona, despite knowing there is a gap in strength, Mallorca are striving to earn points and keep unbeaten, so they are motivated.2. Mallorca have signed new players in the summe...
[(Tottenham Hotspur F.C.) Strength]: 1. This time playing at home, Tottenham Hotspur F.C. are determined to win and secure a victorious start to the new season, and their fighting spirit is beyond doubt.2. Tottenham Hotspur F.C. underwent significant changes during the offseason, appointing Thomas Frank as their new head coach while bolstering the squad with quality signings including Mohammed Kud...
[(Sunderland A.F.C.) Strength]: 1. This is the first round of the new season's league. Sunderland A.F.C., playing at home, are determined to strive for a win to secure a good start. Their fighting spirit is beyond doubt.2. Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda both scored double-digit goals in the league last season. In the new season, the two will still be important attacking forces for the team.3. S...
[(Villarreal) Strength]: 1. Villarreal are playing at home in the first game of the new season in the league and surely hope to have a good start. Their fighting spirit is very strong.2. Ayoze Perez scored 19 goals for Villarreal in the league last season, demonstrating an outstanding individual performance.3. During the off-season, Villarreal signed midfielders Alberto Moleiro, Tajon Buchanan and...
[(Kashima Antlers) Strength]: 1. Kashima Antlers currently have the same 47 points as Kashiwa Reysol, but they are at the top of the table by virtue of goal difference. The team are determined to secure all three points in this match to consolidate their top position and are highly motivated.2. Kyosuke Tagawa performed well in the last game. He scored the only goal of the match and helped his team...
[(Girona) Strength]: 1. This match marks the opening game of the new La Liga season. Girona, playing at home, are bound to strive for a win to get off to a good start, and their fighting spirit is beyond doubt.2. In the latest warm-up match against SSC Napoli, Christian Stuani scored two goals, demonstrating an excellent form.3. Girona played two warm-up matches at home during the off-season and a...
[(Liverpool F.C.) Strength]: 1. Liverpool F.C. won the English Premier League title last season and naturally are eager to defend their title in the new season. In the first match against AFC Bournemouth, Liverpool F.C. are striving for victory and have a high fighting spirit.2. Liverpool F.C. striker Mohamed Salah scored 29 goals in the English Premier League last season and won the Golden Boot.3...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arteta the Upper Moon 2nd Champions Badges 2010 PSG DEFEATED Every Traditional "PL Top 6" Team in 2025 – Except Manchester United & Chelsea! "WAIT. THIS IS A CLASSIC.. I'VE SEEN THIS BEFORE!" Ballon d'Or... PSG BEAT SPURS TO WIN THE UEFA SUPER CUP Make that 5 trophies this year Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun ...
Isak goes on STRIKE amid ongoing Liverpool pursuitAlexander Isak is refusing to play in Newcastle United's Premier League opener against Aston Villa amid his desperation to join Liverpool this summer.According to the Daily Mail, Isak, 25, has made himself unavailable for the Magpies' trip to Villa Park on Saturday as the saga surrounding his future looks set to continue. The Sweden international h...
- 1 TIPS - Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas VS Liga Deportiva Universitaria
- 2 Ex-PL ace's wife's shower video gives insight into life of luxury
- 3 Agent of Real Madrid defender David Alaba responds to Saudi Pro League transfer speculation as Spanish giants ponder selling 33-year-old after injury woes
- 4 TIPS - Juventude VS Corinthians
- 5 TIPS - Atletico San Luis VS Cruz Azul
- 6 Juventus Eye Fresh Bid for Chelsea Defender Renato Veiga, But Serie A Club Must First Sell Ex-Newcastle Star
- 7 TIPS - Cambuur Leeuwarden VS FC Oss
- 8 TIPS - FC Kaiserslautern VS Schalke 04
- 9 Arsenal announce Ethan Nwaneri contract extension: This is where I feel at home...
- 10 TIPS - FC Utrecht VS Heracles Almelo