David Martindale aims for top spot after winning Viaplay Cup start

David Martindale has challenged Livingston to start and finish top of his Viaplay Cup group after starting his campaign with a 3-0 away win over Highland League side Brechin.< /p>

The Lions have qualified as runners-up to the knockout stage in each of the previous two seasons, but their manager believes they can enjoy a smoother run to the last 16 this time around and ensure they are one of the seeded clubs.< /p>

In their other three matches, Livi will face Hamilton and Clyde at home either side of the trip to Cove Rangers.

"We're in a pretty good place," Martindale told Livingston TV. "We want to finish group winners.

"I think the last two years it's been a bit, I won't say disappointing because we qualified, but I don't think we approached the games well.

"So it's good to start with a clean sheet and a win. The goal is to finish as the group winner and try to enter the draw as the top team as a Premiership side, that's what we should be looking to do."

Livi's goals came from Joel Nouble, Sean Kelly and Cristian Montano.

"It took us a little while to get going," Martindale said. "I think we should have scored a few goals before scoring the first one, but we controlled most of the game.

"I don't think (goalkeeper) Shamal George had much to do. We didn't create a lot of chances, but they worked very hard and were difficult to play.

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"It was nice to have three different scorers and keep a clean sheet. It was a good day at the office overall.