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Sport
Callum Carson

Livingston boss heaps praise on winger after match-winning display just days after turning down chance to leave club

Livingston boss David Martindale heaped praise on Alan Forrest after he hit the winner in a thrilling encounter at Easter Road on Saturday - just days after turning down a move to St Johnstone.

The 25-year-old cut in from the left and curled home a beautiful strike into the far corner just before the hour mark as the Lions came from behind to defeat Hibs 3-2.

But it could have been a different story for the ex-Ayr United man, who looks set to leave the club in the summer after turning down a new deal.

Martindale, however, believes the club and the player are a perfect match for each other.

He said: "It says a lot about Alan. He came in during the week and said he didn't want to go after we had all the paperwork ready.

"I'll be having a conversation with Alan over the next week or so because I think we're the right club for Alan and I think when we've got him in the right headspace, you can see what he brings to the football club.

"Over the last three of four windows there's always been a wee bit of controversy with Alan - is there maybe the chance of a move here? But when he's in a good headspace at Livingston, you can see what he can bring to the table.

"He asked to speak to St Johnstone and the club made an offer that I thought was acceptable and then told me he didn't think it was the right move.

"He trained really well and I was chatting to Marvin (Bartley) that it looked like a weight lifted off his shoulders, so fair play to him. It's been a tough time for him and he made a big decision. I think that decision paid off because he was fantastic."

The Lions picked up three valuable points on Saturday despite falling behind twice.

Demetri Mitchell prodded home from close range on six minutes for the Hibees, with Christian Doidge having already hit the woodwork with a header.

Livi would go straight up the other end and be awarded a penalty after Odin Bailey went down under pressure from keeper Matt Macey, only for referee Grant Irvine to overturn his decision following a discussion with his assistant.

The visitors wouldn't have to wait long before levelling things up, though as Ayo Obileye headed home after Macey missed a Bailey cross on 18 minutes. But Hibs were back in front before the break in freak fashion when Chris Cadden's deflected cross looped over the wrong-footed Max Stryjek and into the net.

Livi struck twice in six minutes in the early stages of the second half to turn the game on its head - with Joel Nouble getting assists for both on his first start for the club.

He flicked on a Nicky Devlin throw-in at the near post with Jack Fitzwater heading home under relatively little pressure from six yards out before teeing up Forrest down the left flank on 59 minutes with the winger doing the rest.

Kevin Nisbet squandered a string of chances to get Hibs back on level terms. He jinked his way through the defence on 73 minutes before firing at Stryjek while the Polish stopper was again alert in the closing stages to parry away an effort at his near post. In between, the Scotland strike blazed over from the edge of the box as Livi held on for the victory.

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