Motherwell started the first half in Livingston in similar fashion to last week at home to Falkirk. They were enjoying the majority of possession, getting the ball up the pitch and peppering the goal with attempts but yet again they were found wanting in front of goal.
This week, however, they had to face the challenge of going in a goal down at the break.
Martindale said pre-match that he felt like he was trying to fit square pegs in round holes when choosing his starting line-up, given the amount of injuries to his side and they spent the first 20 minutes being totally dominated by Motherwell.
But after their opening goal went in they looked like a different side. The Lions were enjoying a lot more of the ball and were carving out chances – Muirhead blazed over while Sylla had one blocked from close range while Bokila could have had another deep into first half stoppage time. Motherwell, on the other hand, looked a bit deflated and frustrated as the half wore on.
Despite enjoying 65% possession in the first 45 minutes, Motherwell failed to put a shot on target and only generated an xG of 0.27 compared to Livingston’s 1.38.
Much like last week against Falkirk, the second half presented a different story but this time it was a happy ending for Motherwell.
Stamatelopoulos’ spot-kick breathed new life into Motherwell who looked renewed in confidence in the second half and Askou was boosted by the return of Callum Slattery to the pitch.
They kept going and Elijah Just, after being denied by VAR just moments before, got the winning goal. Could this be the victory that changes Motherwell’s fortunes?
It’s a sucker punch for Livingston who looked more than worthy of a point in West Lothian but with a visit from Hibs on the horizon they have no time to feel sorry for themselves.