Callum Davidson a lot happier with St Johnstone after draw at Livingston

St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson has praised the improved performance of his players despite conceding a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena.

After Glenn Middleton’s second-half header was cancelled out by Jack Fitzwater’s last-minute strike, the Saints all-but confirmed their spot in the cinch Premiership relegation play-off, as they sit six points clear of rock-bottom Dundee with a superior goal difference going into the final two matches.

Davidson was pleased with the reaction to last weekend’s disappointing home defeat to St Mirren, as his side put in a much-improved display.

He said: “I’ll sum it up between last week and this week – I’m a lot happier with the boys’ performance, I thought we tried to play, we tried to get on the ball and move it and cause Livingston problems.

“The late goal might be relevant, obviously we need to make sure we get two good results but we knew where we were with other results so it didn’t really make a difference.

“I don’t like losing when we don’t have a go and don’t play well enough and that was last week.

“It was really disappointing last week and I was pleased with the reaction from the players today.

“Glenn Middleton came on and gave us a wee spark and I thought Stevie May was good.

“I played him today because I thought he would get in behind and he would work hard and he did that.

“We had a wee chance at the end (through Callum Hendry), obviously I’m disappointed with the goal but a lot happier with the performance.”

Livingston boss David Martindale, meanwhile, felt his players were “lethargic” at times but he praised their character in not letting the match fizzle out, despite being safe in mid-table.

He said: “We were a wee bit