LIVINGSTON manager Davie Martindale admitted that he turned down the chance to sign David Cancola last January, after watching his goal earn Ross County a point.
The Austrian, who moved to the Staggies from Slovan Liberec during the summer, notched a stunning first-half injury time opener for the visitors.
The home side fought back and deservedly levelled through Ayo Obileye when the defender headed in an 89th-minute equaliser at the end of an entertaining second period.
“It is a fantastic
strike on the stroke of half time,” said Martindale.
“I actually had David in last January with a view to signing him, I know his agent well.
“I couldn’t offer him anything at that time and he went up to Ross County.
“He did okay but I felt we were well versed in midfield areas.
“You’re always looking for better than you’ve got but he probably wasn’t better than what we had at the time.”
Martindale, whose team remain five points clear of County in the relegation play-off zone, claimed a point was the least his team deserved.
The opening half had largely been a non-event.
The quality demonstrated from the right foot of Cancola was in stark contrast to the uninspiring 45 minutes of football that had preceded it. Livingston defender James Penrice’s poor clearance landed at
the feet of the Austrian
in a central position 30 yards out.
Cancola took a
good first touch
before arching a
superb drive into the top corner. Livingston goalkeeper Max Stryjek managed to get a hand to the effort but such was the power and accuracy of the drive that he was unable to keep it out.
The second period was a far more entertaining affair, with Livingston having to force the issue, leaving gaps at the back. Chances were created at both ends.
The post denied County a second when Ross Callachan’s effort came back off the upright when Stryjek came well over his line to challenge Jordan White for a high ball.
But Livingston kept on coming. Alan Forrest and Nicky Devlin went close before Obileye rescued a point, forcing home
a back post header
from Penrice’s deep cross.
County boss Malky Mackay said: “I’m disappointed to lose the last-minute goal. On the bigger reflection, a point away from home is a good point and knowing we can score against teams.
“I believe we’ve not won here in eight or nine years so it was never going to be an easy place to come.
“Off the back of Wednesday night [against Celtic] when so much energy was put into that, if you’re a half yard short here you are going to get beat because Davie’s teams run hard.”
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