AS far as successful auditions go, David Martindale appears on course to get the lead role. Livingston’s caretaker manager yesterday oversaw his third victory on the bounce since taking the reins, thanks to a hard-earned victory over St Johnstone.

The visitors scored from their only two real efforts on target, but their industry and resolve were to be admired and ensured they leapt above Saints in the table.

“It makes my life a bit easier on Sundays,” said Martindale in response to another win.

“I’m delighted, I thought the boys were magnificent. I’m getting used to saying this now. It’s a difficult game {away at McDiarmid}. The last time we won here as a team was against Alloa in the Petrofac Cup final in 2015. Every time we have come here it has been really difficult.”

Speaking in response to the proposition of becoming manager on a full-time basis, he continued: “My situation hasn’t changed, if the club want me, I’ll do it, I’m delighted to do it. If the club are looking for someone else, then fair enough.”

Since Livingston’s 2-0 win over St Johnstone in Septempber Callum Davidson’s side had only lost once before kick-off and began the day unbeaten in 11, the club’s longest ever unbeaten run. While Davidson’s new back three system introduced in the summer took time to bed in, his side now look as though they know each role down to the ground and have reaped the rewards of consistency.

The visitors arrived at McDiarmid Park similarly upbeat after returning to winning ways in the Premiership last week, aided by their new manager bounce. Having enjoyed a 100% start since Gary Holt’s departure, David Martindale’s hat for the full-time gig at the Toni Macaroni is now very much in the ring.

The hosts began the game with the look of a team who hadn’t lost in over two months and without being excellent, looked the more in control of the two sides. Chris Kane who came closest to breaching an especially stubborn first half deadlock near the half hour mark.

After winning a corner curtesy of chasing a diagonal in behind, he met the resulting set piece with a glancing header at the front post which hit the upright. David Wotherspoon then saw an ambiguous cross-cum-shot sail narrowly wide moments after as Saints’ remained on top.

But after a half of few chances, two minutes after the restart Jon Guthrie headed Livingston into the lead. Latching onto to a free-kick which was carelessly given away, the defender sent his effort back across Zander Clark to score. 

The lead was short-lived, however. Saints seemed unfazed by the goal and replied soon after with a deserved equaliser. Patient build up play in midfield allowed Danny McNamara to release Wotherspoon who’s whipped ball was turned home by Kane, justifying his manager’s choice to start him.

The intensity of the opening minutes of the first half continued as the hosts in particular played with a healthy blend of aggression and creativity and passed their way through their opponents on more than one occasion, but in truth their possession often didn't translate to chances. Livi had made three changes by the hour mark in an attempt to gain some form of a foothold and did begin to win more second balls and get up the pitch.

They would regain their lead once more after 65 minutes. Scott Robinson, who had by this point replaced the injured Scott Tiffoney, broke in behind Saints’ high line and finished calmly past Clark to restore the advantage. The second goal seemed to knock the wind out of Saints, who never truly threatened the visitors lead after their second goal.

Saints boss Davidson conceded at full-time his side had not been at their best but turned attentions towards their Betfred Cup quarter-final clash with Dunfermline.

“The biggest disappointment for me was when we had the ball, what did we do with it,” he said. “I didn’t think we were good enough in possession, when you’re not good enough with {the ball} sometimes you don’t deserve to win the game.

“Most of the players know they didn’t perform to their level today and we’ve got a chance on Tuesday to get through to the semi-final of a cup. I’m sure they’ll be chomping at the bit to get out and play. The best thing we can do is go and play another game and hopefully get a result.”