Livingston 2-1 Hamilton Academical: David Martindale wants top-five finish

Livingston must target finishing in their current spot of fifth after sealing a top-six place in the Scottish Premiership, says manager David Martindale.

A 2-1 win over Hamilton ensured Livi will be in the top half when the league splits after next weekend's fixtures.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Scott Pittman got the hosts' goals, with Callum Smith briefly bringing the visitors level.

"Going into these next games, the boys can go and enjoy it," said Martindale.

"We've got to be aiming to try and finish fifth."

It was a first win in all competitions since 2 February for Livingston, having lost five and drawn once during that spell, while Hamilton remain a point above bottom side Kilmarnock and three behind Ross County.

• Reaction & as it happened

Emmanuel-Thomas put the finishing touches to Livingston's opener but Nicky Devlin did the spadework.

The full-back worked his way into the box from the right and slipped the ball to the big striker with his back to goal and Emmanuel-Thomas flicked it up before smashing into the net behind him.

Hamilton had been second best in the opening half-hour but, from their first real attack, got level.

Brian Easton's tackle on Emmanuel-Thomas forced the ball through to Smith, who turned and drove at the Livi defence before unleashing a fierce shot into the right corner.

The hosts were almost ahead again within minutes as Pittman flashed a shot wide from Emmanuel-Thomas' headed knockdown.

But Pittman did find the net after another mazy run by Devlin. He sped towards the byeline to cut back, with Hamilton's Lee Hodson unintentionally chesting the ball back towards goal and allowing Pittman to score on the turn.

Bruce Anderson tried to get Hamilton level before the break, his shot deflecting just wide of Robby McCrorie's goal.

After such an entertaining first half, there were fewer clear-cut opportunities. Scott Martin did unlock the Livi defence to create a shooting chance for Ross Callachan, who dragged his effort wide.

Josh Mullin almost got a third for the home side, his superb shot from the left smacking the crossbar, and fellow substitute Matej Poplatnik netted from an offside position late on.

Man of the match - Nicky Devlin

Devlin gained a lot of yards for Livingston and had a hand in both goals

What did we learn?

Martindale said after last week's loss to Motherwell he had to "find a way to fix it" and there was an intent to Livingston from the first whistle.

The forcefulness of their play pushed Hamilton into deep defensive positions, which proved crucial to the first-half goals.

The visitors brought a lot to the game and can take plaudits for their performance but it's points Brian Rice and his players need.

With the bottom three sides all having six games to play and still to face each other again this season, Hamilton's fight goes on.

What did they say?

Livingston manager David Martindale: "Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is so gifted. I see it everyday in training. An incredible finish, a fantastic strike.

"It's a fantastic achievement, finishing top six. There's been a lot of pressure on the boys."

Hamilton Academical head coach Brian Rice: "It was very tight. I don't think we deserved to lose the match but I don't think we deserved to win it either. A point would've been a justified result.

"We lost two poor goals from our point of view. There was some good play second half. We're disappointed not to get anything from the game."

What's next?

Livingston's last match before the Scottish Premiership split is at home to Hibernian next Saturday (15:00 GMT), when Hamilton Academical host St Mirren.