Hegarty hails Livingston defence

Mar 19 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

HEGARTY’S CASE FOR DEFENCE

PAUL HEGARTY hailed his defence this week after they picked up their first clean sheet in 12 attempts.

The Livingston boss reckons he was as thrilled at shutting out league leaders St Johnstone as he was about masterminding the club’s second win on the bounce which has put his side back into the frame for the automatic promotion spot.

He said: “Keeping a clean sheet was just as pleasing as winning the game as far as I was concerned.

“It would still have been great to have won 2-1 but the clean sheet gives our keeper Roddy McKenzaie and the back four a bit of confidence.

“To be fair some of the games we’ve played have produced sensational goals against us which were unavoidable like the game against Dunfermline.

“However, it has been a great week but also a hard and demanding one but the players have come through flying colours.

“The result against St Johnstone was a magnificent performance and we got breaks at the right time but there is no doubt we fully deserved the three points.

“At the end of the day it is only three points but the way we went about our performance was first class.”

Saturday’s win over St Johnstone saw Leigh Griffiths bag his 18th goal of the season and Hegarty has paid tribute to his wonder striker’s goals.

“Sparky’s playing really well and its not just the goals he is scoring its the way he is linking up with people as well. That's just as pleasing for me as it shows he’s been taking on board things the coaching staff have been saying.

“I also felt youngster Chris Malone did really well and showed he’s got great potential.”

Saints’ stuttering form has given the chasing pack a sniff of a chance at pipping them to the SPL post and Hegarty admits he still hopes to reel them in.

He added: “Partick Thistle have crept up and are real challengers too now but hopefully that win will put us in contention.

“If we can keep picking up points then hopefully we’ll be there or thereabouts at the end.”