Livingston manager Davie Martindale expressed some frustration at the final outcome of Saturday’s SPFL Premiership opener.
The West Lothian side worked hard to stay in the game, whilst not allowing Rangers to add to the early goal scored by Ianis Hagi.
Martindale stated that 3-0 was not a true reflection of the game, in his post-match comments, as reported by the Glasgow Times:
“Second half, it is always going to be tough but as it’s 1-0, you have always got a chance in the game.”
“We limited their chances again, then they score the second and I have go down to ten men with a man coming off injured – as soon as you at are 2-0 with ten men at Ibrox, you are done.”
“That is how the game went. I think Rangers definitely deserved to win the game but I think 3-0 flattered them slightly if I am honest.”
Yes, Livi held out until late but so what?
The game lasts 90 minutes and Rangers were dominant in possession and threat – if not showing too much incision for half an hour either side of half-time.
With the introduction of Kemar Roofe and John Lundstram, the Gers increased the tempo and swung the game with that additiona of quality.
The classy second goal, deserved, from Scott Wright killed the game and then Roofe added a a very late third.
Yes, it was perhaps harsh on Martindale’s team, who were unable to properly test Jon McLaughlin over the course of the game, but that is also a discredit to Rangers who finished strong and deserved the gloss of the third for continuing to push right to the end.