Livingston boss predicted Lions match-winner in victory over Dundee United

Livingston boss David Martindale says he told Cristian Montano at half-time that he'd win the game for the Lions.

Just three minutes into the second half, the Colombian bagged his first goal for the club with a stunning 20-yard strike beyond Mark Birighitti as Livi picked up the points in a 1-0 win over Dundee United this afternoon.

It was a rare moment of magic in an otherwise largely forgettable game as the away side were able to get their account up and running this season with their first points of the season.

And Martindale says he spoke to the goalscorer at half-time and told him he'd win the game.

He commented: "I said to Cristian at half time you’re going to win the game for us — and he went and won the game for us.

‘Last season with Cristian I didn’t get the player I thought I had recruited. It took him a while to adapt to Scottish football and the training and playing loads because it’s different from League Two in England.

"It’s taken him a while to adapt but he’s come back this summer and he’s been top notch.

"I’m really happy for Cristian - or is it Mr Montano? I thought he did really well for us today."

Martindale admitted United's European exploits on Thursday night may have had an impact on their display, adding that they caught the Terrors at a 'good time' but believes today's opposition are heading in the right direction.

He said: "They’ve come off the back of a big European game and that really helped us. We've probably got them at a good time. I’m not going to say otherwise.

"I think it plays a huge part because it’s difficult especially when United aren’t acclimatised to European football yet. I’d imagine they might bring more players in to have more squad depth but I think Mr Ross and Mr Fox and Mr