Boss insists: ‘We’re still in the title race’

Feb 19 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

Boss insists: ‘We’re still in the title race’

PAUL HEGARTY insists there is little between any of the top sides in the First Division and he is refusing to concede defeat in the race to the SPL.

Defeat last Saturday to leaders St Johnstone left the Lions eight points behind the leaders while Saints also have a game in hand.

But Hegarty reckons he saw enough in his players’ excellent performance to suggest the balance of power could still swing back into Livingston's favour.

He said: “We were very disappointed to lose on Saturday as we played very well – first half especially.

“To come away with nothing at the end of that was hard to take because we created a few chances, hit the woodwork twice and played ever so well from the back to the front.

“It was Saints’ home game and they were top of the league but at half-time someone watching the match wouldn’t have known which was which. We played really well and we’ve got to take a lot of pluses from that.

“You could tell how gutted the boys were after the game by how quiet the dressing room was.

“There are still 14 games to go and points will still be won and lost.

“We know we can’t afford to drop many more as Saints do have the luxury of a cushion over us but we’ve got to keep doing what we are doing and playing in the correct manner.”

Next up for the West Lothian club is a trip to Tayside to meet fellow title hopefuls Dundee for the second time in three weeks.

Hegarty continued: “Last time out we lost a goal after a minute which gave us an uphill task.

“To be honest, most of the teams in this division are much the same and there is very little between any of the sides.”

Livi missed the energy and goals of teen star Leigh Griffiths last week but the travelling Lions’ fans did get their first glimpse at a possible new goal hero.

Rafaelle De Vita arrived at Almondvale last summer with a lofty reputation but suffered a knee injury on his pre season debut.

But after seven long months of rehabilitation he made his competitive debut, coming on as a sub, and Hegarty has welcomed the Italian into the first team reckoning.

He added: “Rafa did well after just playing a little part of a few bounce games. We needed a striker for the squad on Saturday with Leigh Griffiths suspended and Rafa fitted the bill perfectly.

“He did well in the 20 minutes he was on and I think the adrenalin kicked in and got him through which is something which pleased us and Rafa as well.

“He is definitely in the squad for the trip to Dundee as well and hopefully he can build on his appearance.”