David Martindale delighted to answer selection criticism in win over Ross County

Livingston boss David Martindale says he was delighted to answer criticism from behind the dugout for playing left-back James Penrice as a makeshift right-winger during their 2-1 win over Ross County.

The 24-year-old has featured almost exclusively on the left during his two seasons with the Lions but following a couple of early wobbles put in a a great performance - including an inch-perfect assist for Joel Nouble’s opener.

Penrice cut in from the right on 37 minutes before curling an enticing ball to the back post for the striker to place into the far corner.

Nicky Devlin then doubled the home side’s lead less than two minutes later with a fizzing long-range effort.

A delighted Martindale said: “It was a great ball by wee Penners. It’s quite funny because he took a bad touch five minutes before it with his left foot when it should’ve been his right.

“It bobbled over him and someone shouted from the stand, ‘That’s what you get for playing a left-back on the right wing!’ I thought ‘ah, right. Cheers for your support’.

“Next one, bang, he’s put a ball in with his left for Joel at the back post. I turned round looking for him, trying to tell him ‘see that was a left-back doing that'. It was a fantastic pattern of play.”

Simon Murray’s bundled effort on 69 minutes made for a nervy finish but the Lions held on for all three points with Martindale adding: “I think we deserved the three points and I wanted the win for the players because I think they’ve been down on their luck in terms of decisions going against us and coming out on the wrong end of defeats.

“I think the players are going to get a couple of beers. When we’ve got a couple of weeks break we’ll encourage them to go out as a squad. They’ll go out tonight, go and