Livingston boss Davie Martindale has admitted losing to Hearts on penalties yesterday in the Scottish Cup was a “sore one” to take – but rejected the idea shootouts are simply a “lottery.”
After going through 120 goalless minutes at Tynecastle, Hearts skipper saved two Livingston penalties to seal their place in the quarter-final draw.
Gordon saved from Cristian Montano and Ayo Obileye but Martindale thinks his side had created the better chances before the shootout – Bruce Anderson and Scott Pittman both having great opportunities in the second half.
“It’s a sore one. I feel sorry for the players,” Martindale said.
“I don’t buy into the idea that penalties are a lottery. It’s about ability and mentality. Craig Gordon is an imposing figure in the opposition goal.
“I thought over the piece, we gave up a lot of possession but we dealt with balls in the box.
“Max had a save from a glancing header. We had two outstanding chances in the first half through Bruce Anderson and then we had one in the second half with Pittman when it hit the inside of the post and fell back into Craig Gordon’s arms.
“We created the better chances, albeit Hearts dominated possession.”
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