Livingston manager David Martindale says he has “fire back in his belly” and will push on to the end of the season as his side claimed a dramatic late point against fellow Scottish Premiership strugglers Ross County.

Livingston, who last won a league match on the 7 October, looked like being cut nine points adrift at the foot of the table when Simon Murray lashed in his second goal of the night for County on 85 minutes.

But Martindale’s side showed they are still fighting for their beleaguered manager by hauling themselves level just three minutes later, when Jason Holt’s cross was headed in by substitute Dan MacKay.

It was the second time Livingston managed to battle back from a goal down, having allowed Murray to creep behind their defence and fire in the opening goal before the break.

But Scott Pittman stabbed home from inside the box after a knock down from Kurtis Guthrie to ensure this crucial game was level by half-time.

“I was down on Saturday but half an hour after doing the television I had the fire back in my belly ready to fight,” Martindale told BBC Scotland.

“I want everybody to know me and my staff are here to matchday 38. We’ll deal with whatever on matchday 38. We’ll give it everything we’ve got to stay in this league.”

The significance of the game was reflected in the sides’ approach after the interval as both surged forward and created good chances to nudge in front.

County’s Jordan White could have scored from close range, and the best of Livingston’s chances fell to Bruce Anderson inside the box, but the striker could not finish from eight yards.

After that opportunity came and went it was seemed inevitable Livingston would be punished for their profligacy, and a minute later Murray controlled a cross and smashed the ball beyond goalkeeper Michael McGovern.

It could have marked the beginning of the end for Livingston in the top flight, but a great pass from Joel Nouble, Holt’s inspiration and MacKay’s accurate header keeps their fight for survival alive.

Martindale’s side are still bottom of the table and have not won any of their past 15 league games, but the gap to County, winless in seven in all competitions and in the relegation play-off spot, remains six points.

Albeit, Derek Adams’ side have two games in hand.

Match Report: BBC Scotland

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