Livingston’s David Martindale Optimistic About Falkirk’s Potential Slip-Up

Livingston manager David Martindale has expressed confidence that Falkirk could drop points again as the Scottish Championship title race heads into its final stages. Falkirk, who have led the table for most of the season, have managed just one point from their last three matches. With 70 points from 35 games, a win against Hamilton Academical on the final day would secure their promotion, thanks to their superior goal difference.

Martindale’s Perspective on Falkirk’s Recent Form

Martindale pointed to Livingston’s own season as evidence that Falkirk’s recent struggles might continue. "If you'd said to me Falkirk are going to lose two games back-to-back, I probably wouldn't have seen that coming," he remarked. "Now that it's happened, they need to lose three games back-to-back. I'm certainly looking at it and saying, is that a possibility? I think it is."

The Climactic Final Day

Livingston will host Partick Thistle simultaneously, and Martindale is prepared for all possible outcomes. Partick Thistle, aware that a win could secure them the final promotion play-off spot, will be a formidable opponent. "I think there's going to be a lot going on in the game," Martindale noted. "You're going to have the Livingston fans keeping you up to date in the Falkirk game, and we're going to be looking at that also."

Strategic Planning for the Finale

Martindale emphasized the need for strategic flexibility during the match. "I'll go into the game with a plan to win, but there's also going to be an in-game strategy, depending on what's happening elsewhere," he explained. "You're then going to have the Partick Thistle fans, no doubt, telling the Partick players and staff the Raith Rovers result. There's a lot of different variables that can happen throughout the game, but that's testament to the Scottish Championship."

The Stakes Are High

As the season reaches its climax, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Falkirk’s recent stumble has opened the door for Livingston to potentially capitalize on any further slip-ups. The final day promises to be a thrilling conclusion to a fiercely contested Scottish Championship season.