Martindale hails new pitch as Livi progress in League Cup

Yahoo

27-07-2025

Livingston manager David Martindale reckons their new artificial surface is helping his side get up to speed in games quicker.
The West Lothian club's pitch was upgraded this summer to the 'newest version' of the surface.
Martindale's side secured their spot as one of the best runners-up with a 6-0 thrashing of Kelty Hearts, finishing second in Group H behind top-flight rivals Kilmarnock.
Two goals from Robbie Muirhead and others from Andy Winter, debutant Adam Montgomery, Stevie May and Shane Blaney ensured David Martindale's side a place in the draw for the next round.
"I thought the boys played really well," Martindale said.
"I think the surface is really, really helping us at getting our speed into the game, and we started the game really well.
"I thought Andy Winters was brilliant today, there wasn't anyone who wasn't getting pass marks today.
"We limited the opposition to very little."
Aidan Denholm, who signed a three-year deal from Hearts and made his Livingston debut off the bench, picked up an injury in the game, something his manager takes some responsibility for.
"I feel a wee bit sorry for Aidan, he's hurt his hamstring again," added Martindale.
"He was desperate to play. He's done a full pre-season with Hearts, and I was desperate to integrate him into the squad, so maybe I've got to take a wee bit of responsibility there.
"But I don't think it's anywhere near as bad as it's previously been. The wee man's gutted. You don't want to be coming into a club, make your debut and go off injured but it's football.
"We'll stick by him and make sure he's got a good group around him. That was the only disappointing aspect of the game."